Editorial: Controlling biofilm-related infections in healthcare settings

Abstract

Biofilm formation by clinically significant pathogens presents a substantial global public health challenge, particularly due to its role in enhancing antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The protective matrix of biofilms contributes to bacterial persistence and adaptation, exacerbating multidrug resistance (MDR), particularly in nosocomial infections (Elfaky et al., 2024). These infections result in elevated patient morbidity and mortality and impose considerable economic burdens on healthcare systems due to increased costs and prolonged hospital stays (Assefa and Amare, 2022). Consequently, there has been a marked surge in research aimed at identifying novel strategies to combat biofilm-associated infections (Wasfi et al., 2023). This Research Topic encompasses three critical aspects of biofilm research: the prevalence of biofilm-forming pathogens, the molecular mechanisms underlying biofilm formation, and innovative approaches for combating biofilm-associated infections.