Biofilms and Veterinary Medicine

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Biofilms are linked to various medical issues, including urinary tract infections, catheter infections, dental plaque, and more severe conditions like endocarditis and cystic fibrosis infections. Their role in disease pathogenesis has gained recognition recently. Bacterial biofilms significantly contribute to wound healing failures, impairing natural healing and reducing the effectiveness of topical antimicrobials in infected wounds. They account for up to 80% of all infections, highlighting the need for a new approach to infection control. Numerous studies on bacterial biofilms are referenced, underscoring their importance in both superficial and systemic infections. Current antimicrobial therapies often fail to resolve these infections, despite in vitro effectiveness. In veterinary medicine, the understanding of biofilms has not kept pace with human medicine, despite much research involving veterinary species. The clinical manifestations of biofilms in humans are mirrored in animals, yet there is a concerning indifference to the shortcomings of antimicrobial treatments in veterinary contexts, particularly in wound management. This text addresses biofilm-related health concerns in animals, serving as a crucial resource for veterinary practitioners, students, and researchers.