Updates in the Use of Antibiotics, Biofilms

Abstract

Guidelines for the rational use of antibiotics are evolving as new understanding of the mechanisms and development of antimicrobial resistance develops. The goals of antibiotic use are to follow the tenets of good antimicrobial stewardship while preventing or treating infection to reduce the risk of developing resistance in bacteria. Biofilm infections also infer microbial resistance and are the cause of recalcitrant infections in humans and animals. Current antibiofilm treatment strategies include the use of antibiotics that can penetrate the biofilm, debridement when possible, dispersal agents, and antibiofilm agents. New and exciting antibiofilm treatment strategies are in various stages of development.

Keywords: Antimicrobial prophylaxis; Antimicrobial resistance; Antimicrobial use; Biofilm; Biofilm infection; Biofilm treatment; Chronic wound.