Biofilms are communal structures of microorganisms encased in an exopolymeric coat that form on both natural and abiotic surfaces and have been associated with a variety of persistent infections that respond poorly to conventional antibiotic chemotherapy. Biofilm infections of certain indwelling medical devices by common pathogens such as staphylococci are not only associated with increased morbidity and mortality but are also significant contributors to the emergence and dissemination of antibiotic resistance traits in the nosocomial setting. Current treatment paradigms for biofilm-associated infections of semipermanent indwelling devices typically involve surgical replacement of the device combined with long-term antibiotic therapy and incur high health care costs. This review summarizes the existing data relating to the nature, prevalence, and treatment of biofilm-associated infections and highlights experimental approaches and therapies that are being pursued toward more effective treatments.

中文翻译：

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细菌和真菌生物膜感染。

生物膜是被包裹在自然和非生物表面上形成的外聚合物涂层中的微生物的公共结构，并与多种持续感染相关，这些感染对常规抗生素化疗的反应较差。某些病原体如葡萄球菌等常见医疗器械对生物膜的感染不仅与发病率和死亡率增加有关，而且在医院环境中也是抗生素耐药性特征出现和传播的重要原因。用于半永久性留置装置的生物膜相关感染的当前治疗范例通常涉及外科手术更换该装置以及长期的抗生素治疗，并产生高昂的医疗费用。这篇评论总结了有关自然，流行，