Role of biofilm in host–pathogen interaction

Biofilms are the consortium of microorganisms that are found sticking to each other and often to different surfaces. They are found nearby and remarked by the connection of these planktonic microorganisms to the biotic or abiotic surfaces. Infections caused by biofilms in the human host are often mediated by adhesin proteins. As a reaction to these infections, these biofilms trigger various immune responses such as complement activation, opsonization, phagocytosis, and activation of the immune cells. These infections are associated with various disorders including the onset of cancer, infectious kidney stones, lung infection in cystic fibrosis patients, and dental plaque. The immune system of the host responds via initiating the inflammatory responses, bacterial lysis by gastric juices, and antibody-mediated clearance of the bacterial pathogens. Current treatments of the biofilm-associated diseases include surgical intervention in association with antibiotics, combinatorial therapy of the biofilms with different antibiotics and use of bacteriophage depolymerases. This chapter will cover all processes of biofilm infections ranging from the onset of biofilm initiation to infections of different kinds and finally to the current therapies being available for the treatment of infections caused by biofilms.