1. Using what you know about the molecular structure of biofilms and explain with specific examples how you think biofilms play a role in pathogenesis and protecting microbes from cleaning agents or drugs like antibiotics. Consider in your answer the solubility and chemical properties of carbohydrates.
Biofilms: It is defined as surface-attached microbial communities that are composed of microorganisms and a matrix of extracellular polymeric substances (exopolysaccharides, proteins, lipids and nucleic acids)
Biofilm-related infections:
Biofilms are involved in numerous human diseases:
1. Cystic fibrosis patients often have Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections that often resistant to antibiotic treatment
2. Infections due to contaminated in-dwelling medical devices (eg: urinary catheters and hip replacement) by staphyloccus aureus.
3. gum diseases: by eg: streptoccoccus mutans.
Bacteria growing in a bofilm are highly resistant to antimicrobial treatments ( eg: antibiotics, chlorine)
Get Answers For Free
Most questions answered within 1 hours.