Editorial.

Abstract

Biofilm infections present one of the modern medical world's major challenges. Owing to their recalcitrant nature with respect to disinfectants, antibiotics and the host response, they often cause chronic infections that have a substantial impact on many patients’ lives. As a consequence, most clinicians will regularly face medical problems involving biofilms. Recently, the first clinical guidelines from the European Society for Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases produced by the Biofilm Study Group were published. During work with the guidelines, it became evident that there is still a tremendous need for research and development. The present special issue on biofilm infections differs from the special issues previously published by other journals in being based on invited contributions rather than conference presentations. The contributions cover issues ranging from basic science and observations on fundamental biofilm characteristics, such as physiology and antibiotic tolerance, to special clinical challenges concerning, for example, orthopedic alloplastic-related infections, chronic wounds and infections related to central venous catheters. An especially noteworthy contribution deals with oral biofilms, which undoubtedly present the most frequent biofilm challenge and affect every human being. With help from Guest Editors Professors Niels Høiby and Thomas Bjarnsholt and the distinguished contributors, all of whom are recognized scientists in their respective fields, our goal is that the present issue should provide clinicians and scientists with significant information and inspiration. We are grateful to the authors for accepting our invitation and for contributing their valuable articles. We hope our readers will take up the challenge and help promote research in this important clinical area.