Asked • 04/01/25

How do bacterial biofilms contribute to antibiotic resistance?

Bacterial biofilms are dense clusters of bacteria encased in a self-produced extracellular matrix. These biofilms make bacteria more resistant to antibiotics by preventing drug penetration and reducing the effectiveness of the immune response. The bacteria within biofilms can exhibit slower growth rates, which can make them less susceptible to antibiotics that target fast-growing cells. Additionally, biofilms can harbor genetic material that facilitates horizontal gene transfer, promoting the spread of antibiotic resistance traits within microbial communities. This makes infections involving biofilms particularly challenging to treat.

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