Prevention and control of biofilm-based medical-device-related infections

FEMS Immunol Med Microbiol. 2010 Aug;59(3):227-38. doi: 10.1111/j.1574-695X.2010.00665.x. Epub 2010 Mar 3.

Abstract

Biofilms play a pivotal role in healthcare-associated infections, especially those related to the implant of medical devices, such as intravascular catheters, urinary catheters and orthopaedic implants. This paper reviews the most successful approaches for the control and prevention of these infections as well as promising perspectives for the development of novel devices refractory to microbial adhesion, colonization and biofilm formation.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biofilms / drug effects
  • Biofilms / growth & development*
  • Catheter-Related Infections / prevention & control*
  • Cross Infection / prevention & control*
  • Equipment and Supplies / microbiology*
  • Humans
  • Infection Control / methods*
  • Prosthesis-Related Infections / prevention & control*