Biofilms in Wound Management: An Overview

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A biofilm is an adherent stratum composed of exopolymers and microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, yeasts, algae, microbes, protozoa, and other cellular debris. For wound care professionals, biofilm represents an important cause of wound infection and chronic non-healing. In fact, in the United States, approximately 16 million new biofilm-based infections are diagnosed every year. Biofilm-associated diseases include burns, pressure injuries (ulcers), surgical site infections, and diabetic foot ulcers.

This guide provides health care professionals with a clear overview of biofilm and its relevance to clinical wound care. The following topics are discussed:

Epidemiologic factors in biofilm-related diseases

Composition of biofilm and stages of development

Signs and symptoms of biofilm-related infections

Common wound pathogens found in biofilms

Biofilm identification: swab, biopsy, and culture techniques

Challenges posed by biofilm defense mechanisms

Management strategies for biofilm-related infections

Common terms used in wound care

This guide is generally written to provide practical guidance for all health care professionals in the early detection and management of biofilm-based infections in their wound patients.

A biofilm is an adherent stratum composed of exopolymers and microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, yeasts, algae, microbes, protozoa, and other cellular debris. For wound care professionals, biofilm represents an important cause of wound infection and chronic non-healing wounds. In fact, in the United States, approximately 16 million new biofilm-based infections are diagnosed every year. Biofilm-associated diseases include burns, pressure injuries (ulcers), surgical site infections, and diabetic foot ulcers.