David F. L. answered 04/05/25
Soon-to-be FM Dr | Pharmacology Tutor for Medical Boards
Bacterial biofilms contribute to antibiotic resistance by creating a protective extracellular matrix that limits drug penetration, reducing the effectiveness of antibiotics. Within biofilms, bacteria often exhibit slower growth rates, making them less vulnerable to antibiotics targeting fast-growing cells. Additionally, biofilms facilitate horizontal gene transfer, allowing the spread of antibiotic resistance genes among bacteria, which enhances resistance within the microbial community. This combination of factors makes infections involving biofilms more difficult to treat and requires more complex therapeutic strategies.
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