The Role of Biofilms in Upper Respiratory Tract Infections
摘要
It has been estimated that more than 90% of bacteria live in biofilms. Biofilms represent a serious clinical concern because they are highly resistant to immune activity and conventional antibiotic treatments. Bacterial biofilms appear to be involved in the pathogenesis of various upper respiratory tract infections, including recurrent acute tonsillitis, chronic adenoiditis, chronic or recurrent middle ear inflammation, and chronic rhinosinusitis. In this chapter, we review new insights into biofilm-related upper respiratory tract infections and discuss possible therapies.