Description
Bacterial biofilms were formally discovered well over 60 years ago, yet they continue to complicate human and veterinary healthcare despite there being a plethora of antibiotic options. While our understanding of bacterial biofilms grows exponentially, antibiofilm technology development has not advanced at the same pace. Much of this has to do with a misalignment of technology development and what truly needs to be addressed within the biofilm. An improved understanding of biofilm characteristics and the underpinnings of their recalcitrance can help address this gap. I and my lab have worked for 20 years developing relevant animal models and engineered solutions to make headway in the fight against biofilm-related infections.
Learning Objectives
- Review history of biofilm discovery
- Describe biofilm characteristics and what makes them recalcitrant to antibiotic therapies
- Describe early cases of biofilm-related infection in human healthcare
- Describe sheep models of biofilm-related infection developed in Dr. Williams’ lab and their translational potential
- Review current therapeutics and those under development to fight biofilms
