Biofilms in Urology

Details

Urinary devices such as catheters, stents and implants are commonly used in urology. The urinary tract presents a unique environment for these biomaterials, considering the ability of host factors to coat the device surface and provide additional bacterial attachment points. Infection and encrustation related to biofilm formation are common problems and in some cases, limit the long-term use of these devices.

Patients with recurrent urinary tract infections have also been shown to harbour persistent infections due to the intracellularization of bacteria and development of biofilms within host cells, a phenomenon that has only recently been described. This book discusses the pathogens capable of forming such intracellular biofilms, along with the mechanisms utilized for their survival and recurring infections. (Imprint: Nova Biomedical)