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Biofilm Delays Wound Healing: Reviewing the Latest Evidence
BACKGROUND: Biofilm is the predominant mode of life for bacteria, and today it is implicated in numerous human conditions, including chronic wounds and wound infection.
OBJECTIVE: This review summarizes clinical and animal studies conducted to date on the effects of biofilm on wound healing.
METHODS: Literature searches were conducted to summarize the scientific and clinical evidence that now exists regarding the presence and significance of biofilm in human wounds. In addition, the literature was searched to summarize controlled in vivo studies that examine the effects of biofilm on wound healing.
RESULTS: A small but growing number of human clinical studies and case studies on wound biofilm management were identified. A convincing body of in vivo evidence, in the form of various animal models, now exists that implicates biofilm in delayed wound healing. In the human and animal studies where reduction of wound biofilm by various strategies was conducted, this was shown to correlate to improved wound healing.
DISCUSSION: The various mechanisms by which biofilm can impede healing are discussed, including impaired granulation tissue formation and epithelialization, and reduced susceptibilities to antimicrobial agents and host defenses. Strategies to manage biofilm and encourage progression to wound healing are also highlighted, including debridement and appropriate antimicrobial therapies.
CONCLUSIONS: The scientific, clinical, and in vivo evidence strongly suggests that biofilm delays wound healing. It has been shown that by targeting biofilm, wound healing can be improved. This highlights the urgent need for effective antibiofilm technologies in wound care.
CITATION
Metcalf D, Bowler PG. Biofilm delays wound healing: reviewing the latest evidence. Poster presented at: Symposium on Advanced Wound Care Fall; November 2-4, 2018; Las Vegas, NV.
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This abstract was not subject to the WOUNDS peer-review process.
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