BMC Microbiology is calling for submissions to our Collection on Biofilms and its impact on disease
Biofilms can be formed by bacteria, fungi and protists. While biofilm formation can have some positive effects like those formed by the commensal, Staphylococcus epidermidis that prevents the colonization by pathogenic bacteria, most biofilms are associated with infection like those seen in Cystic Fibrosis and dental plaque. Biofilm formation aids microbial growth by making them less susceptible to antimicrobials. Biofilms also protect their microorganisms from their host immune system, allowing for establishment and sustenance of long-term infections. The ability of biofilms to survive hostile environments as well as their long-term antimicrobial-resistant colonization on surfaces make them chronic and difficult to treat. As this has become more and more prevalent, research on how biofilms are formed, their pathogenicity and combating strategies have been at the forefront of infection biology and medicine. In recognition of this expanding research area, BMC Microbiology welcomes submissions to the collection on Biofilms and its impact on disease and human health. The collection broadly aims to cover the following topics:
- Biofilm formation and functionality
- Positive and negative effects of biofilms on human health
- Biofilm and infection
- Biofilms and antibiotic resistance
- Biofilm dispersal and prevention
- Biofilms and microbiome
- Role in pathogenesis of disease
- Cell-cell communication within the biofilm context
- New technologies and advances in biofilm research (with its impact of disease)
- Targets for treatment of biofilm infections
- Antibiofilm agents and strategies
- Regulation of biofilms
- Biofilms and alternative agents
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