A biofilm is a layer of microbes that grows on a surface or structure. The simplest example of one is plaque, the sticky layer of bacteria that grows on our teeth. Some Biofilms are more problematic than others.

When biofilms form on medical devices and catheters in our bodies, they can cause severe infections that are hard to treat. This is because bacteria in them are protected by the slimy biofilm matrix, which makes it harder for antibiotics to do their job.

According to the US National Institutes of Health, biofilms are responsible for over 80% of microbial infections in the body. Many of these are resistant to antibiotics and may even cause severe chronic infections.  Apart from the toll on the nation’s health, this type of resistance can get expensive. Learn more on our blog: https://www.gideononline.com/

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