Biofilms formed by bacteria can promote the emergence of antibiotic resistance

Bacteria are microorganisms that can assemble into transient communities. When this happens, they may form a biofilm, which is an ecosystem that can protect them from external threats. Biofilms that form on mucosal surfaces or certain medical devices are very difficult to remove, and this greatly increases the risk of infection. In this situation, the preferred solution is to administer several courses of antibiotics, but this has consequences.

In a study published in the journal Communications biology, researchers from the Institut Pasteur and the University of Hokkaido measured the effect of this treatment on Escherichia coli bacteria.

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