Table of Contents
Biofilm Formation
- Question 1: What is the life cycle of biofilm and the mechanism of its maturation?
- Question 2: What surface properties favor biofilm formation?
- Question 3: Is the biofilm on orthopaedic implant surface permeable to neutrophils and macrophages in vivo? Are these innate immune cells (meaning any macrophages or neutrophils) capable of engulfing and killing bacteria?
- Question 4: Does the timescale of biofilm formation differ between bacterial species? If so, what is the timescale for common causative organisms?
- Question 5: Do bacteria form biofilm on the surface of cement spacer in a similar fashion to a metallic implant?
- Question 6: Does Mycobacterium tuberculosis form a biofilm on implants?
- Question 7: What is the role of the microbial synergy in polymicrobial infections?
- Question 8: Is the mapping of biofilm to a particular component or anatomical location an important consideration in the management of implant-related infections?
Biofilm Disruption
- Question 1: Is there evidence that interference with bacterial communication by blocking quorum sensing molecules can minimize biofilm formation in vivo?
- Question 2: Can a biomaterial surface be modified to dispel bacterial adherence and biofilms? What are the potential concerns in modifying implant surfaces to combat biofilms?
- Question 3: What is the relevance of Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of infecting organisms in biofilm-mediated chronic infection?
- Question 4: What is the Minimum Biofilm Eradication Concentration (MBEC) of anti-infective agents?
- Question 5: Do bacteriophages have a role in treating multidrug-resistant PJI?