Biofilms and wounds: much ado about nothing?

Rose Cooper is Professor of Microbiology, Centre for Biomedical Sciences, Cardiff School of Health Sciences, University of Wales Institute, Cardiff Biofilms are communities of multiple species of adherent microorganisms that are embedded within a blanket of slime. Their existence in natural environments and in industrial situations is well known, but their association with chronic wounds is more recent. Implications of biofilms for wound management are uncertain because means of diagnosing biofilm infections in wounds are not yet well developed and effective treatment strategies are not established. This review will outline present knowledge about the role of biofilms in wounds and indicate the problems that need to be addressed.