Biofilm-Associated Hospital Acquired Infection: Epidemiology, Diagnosis and Management- A Review

Abstract

 Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) represent a formidable challenge to global healthcare systems, with a significant proportion intricately linked to biofilm-forming microorganisms. These structured microbial communities, encased within a protective extracellular polymeric matrix, exhibit remarkable resistance to antimicrobial agents and host immune responses, leading to persistent and recurrent infections. The epidemiology of biofilm-associated HAIs reveals a substantial burden, accounting for approximately 65-80% of all microbial infections, with device-related infections such as catheter-associated urinary tract infections, ventilator-associated pneumonia, and central line-associated bloodstream infections being particularly prevalent. The predominant biofilm-forming pathogens include Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Acinetobacter baumannii, with multidrug-resistant strains frequently emerging from biofilm environments. Diagnosis remains challenging due to the limitations of conventional microbiological methods, necessitating advanced microscopic, molecular, and biomarker-based detection techniques to accurately identify biofilm-associated infections. Traditional management strategies often prove inadequate, prompting the development of innovative approaches including quorum sensing inhibitors, nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems, smart anti-adhesive surface coatings, enzymatic disruption agents, and phytotherapeutic compounds. This comprehensive review synthesizes current understanding of the epidemiology, diagnostic modalities, and evolving management strategies for biofilm-associated HAIs, highlighting the critical need for multidisciplinary approaches to mitigate this persistent threat to patient safety and public health.

DOI - https://doi.org/10.65525/SVUP.9788199565487.2026.63-80