Chapter 17 - Removal and control of biofilms in wounds

Abstract

Over 75% of chronic wounds have been documented to have biofilms present, but numerous authors have hypothesized the figure to be closer to 100%. In recent years, clinicians and researchers have suggested it should be assumed that a biofilm in nonhealing, chronic wounds will fail to respond to standard treatment presently being employed in wound care, and that new approaches in therapy targeted toward the biofilm are imperative for a positive clinical outcome in a timely manner. In this chapter, we discussed the prevalence of biofilms in chronic wounds, the importance of biofilm infections in wounds, and the present strategies that are being employed for managing and controlling biofilm-related infections. Additionally, we focus on the current development of biofilm management in wounds, particularly focusing on the novel technologies being used in biofilm identification and diagnostics, enhanced treatments with increased antimicrobial and biofilm efficacy. However, it remains the case that optimal protocols for treating wounds and biofilms within chronic wounds are not yet fully established.