Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in
Book cover

Biofilm Infections pp 11–24Cite as

Chronic Wound Colonization, Infection, and Biofilms

  • Chapter
  • First Online:

Abstract

The recognition of bacterial biofilm in chronic wounds is from 2008. The “Best Practice” treatment of chronic wounds seems to have developed a way of coping with biofilm without recognizing its presence with means like debridement and excessive fluid removal. The recognition of bacterial biofilm in chronic wounds may give us the opportunity to explain many of the characteristics of the chronic wound. It may explain why chronic wounds do not heal despite adequate treatment of underlying condition and give hope for future effective ways of treatment.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution.

Chapter
USD   29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD   129.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD   169.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD   169.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Learn about institutional subscriptions

References

  • Akiyama H, Huh WK, Fujii K, Yamasaki O, Oono T, Iwatsuki K (2002) Confocal laser microscopic observation of glycocalyx production by Staphylococcus aureus in vitro. J Dermatol Sci 29(1):54–61

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Akiyama H, Kanzaki H, Tada J, Arata J (1996) Staphylococcus aureus infection on cut wounds in the mouse skin: experimental staphylococcal botryomycosis. J Dermatol Sci 11(3):234–238

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Akiyama H, Morizane S, Yamasaki O, Oono T, Iwatsuki K (2003) Assessment of Streptococcus pyogenes microcolony formation in infected skin by confocal laser scanning microscopy. J Dermatol Sci 32(3):193–199

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Alvarez OM, Mertz PM, Eaglstein WH (1983) The effect of occlusive dressings on collagen synthesis and re-epithelialization in superficial wounds. J Surg Res 35(2):142–148

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Andersen AS, Joergensen B, Bjarnsholt T et al (2010) Quorum-sensing-regulated virulence factors in Pseudomonas aeruginosa are toxic to Lucilia sericata maggots. Microbiology 156:400–407

    Google Scholar 

  • Ayello EA, Dowsett C, Schultz GS, Sibbald RG, Falanga V, Harding K, Romanelli M, Stacey M, TEot L, Vanscheidt W (2004) TIME heals all wounds. Nursing 34(4):36–41

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bexfield A, Bond AE, Roberts EC, Dudley E, Nigam Y, Thomas S, Newton RP, Ratcliffe NA (2008) The antibacterial activity against MRSA strains and other bacteria of a <500 Da fraction from maggot excretions/secretions of Lucilia sericata (Diptera: Calliphoridae). Microbes Infect 10(4):325–333

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bill TJ, Ratliff CR, Donovan AM, Knox LK, Morgan RF, Rodeheaver GT (2001) Quantitative swab culture versus tissue biopsy: a comparison in chronic wounds. Ostomy Wound Manage 47(1):34–37

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bjarnsholt T, Kirketerp-Moller K, Jensen PO, Madsen KG, Phipps R, Krogfelt K, Hoiby N, Givskov M (2008) Why chronic wounds will not heal: a novel hypothesis. Wound Repair Regen 16(1):2–10

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bjarnsholt T, Kirketerp-Moller K, Kristiansen S, Phipps R, Nielsen AK, Jensen PO, Hoiby N, Givskov M (2007) Silver against Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms. APMIS 115(8):921–928

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bowler PG, Duerden BI, Armstrong DG (2001) Wound microbiology and associated approaches to wound management. Clin Microbiol Rev 14(2):244–269

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Davies D (2003) Understanding biofilm resistance to antibacterial agents. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2(2):114–122

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Davies CE, Hill KE, Wilson MJ et al (2004) Use of 16S ribosomal DNA PCR and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis for analysis of the microfloras of healing and nonhealing chronic venous leg ulcers. J Clin Microbiol 42:3549–3557

    Google Scholar 

  • Davies CE, Wilson MJ, Hill KE et al (2001) Use of molecular techniques to study microbial diversity in the skin: chronic wounds reevaluated. Wound Repair Regen 9:332–340

    Google Scholar 

  • Dowd SE, Sun Y, Secor PR, Rhoads DD, Wolcott BM, James GA, Wolcott RD (2008) Survey of bacterial diversity in chronic wounds using pyrosequencing, DGGE, and full ribosome shotgun sequencing. BMC Microbiol 8, 43

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Eaglstein WH Mertz PM (1978) New methods for assessing epidermal wound healing: the effects of triamcinolone acetonide and polyethelene film occlusion. J Invest Dermatol 71(6):382–384

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Edwards R, Harding KG (2004) Bacteria and wound healing. Curr Opin Infect Dis 17(2):91–96

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Falanga V (2000) Classifications for wound bed preparation and stimulation of chronic wounds. Wound Repair Regen 8(5):347–352

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Falanga V, Brem H, Ennis WJ, Wolcott R, Gould LJ, Ayello EA (2008) Maintenance debridement in the treatment of difficult-to-heal chronic wounds. Recommendations of an expert panel. Ostomy Wound Manage Suppl:2–13

    Google Scholar 

  • Fazli M, Bjarnsholt T, Kirketerp-Moller K et al (2009) Nonrandom distribution of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus in chronic wounds. J Clin Microbiol 47:4084–4089

    Google Scholar 

  • Frank DN, Wysocki A, Specht-Glick DD, Rooney A, Feldman RA, St Amand AL, Pace NR, Trent JD (2009) Microbial diversity in chronic open wounds. Wound Repair Regen 17(2):163–172

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Gardner SE, Frantz RA, Troia C, Eastman S, MacDonald M, Buresh K, Healy D (2001) A tool to assess clinical signs and symptoms of localized infection in chronic wounds: development and reliability. Ostomy. Wound Manage 47(1):40–47

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Gottrup F (2004) A specialized wound-healing center concept: importance of a multidisciplinary department structure and surgical treatment facilities in the treatment of chronic wounds. Am J Surg 187(5A):38S–43S

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hill KE, Davies CE, Wilson MJ, Stephens P, Harding KG, Thomas DW (2003) Molecular analysis of the microflora in chronic venous leg ulceration. J Med Microbiol 52:365–369

    Google Scholar 

  • Huberman L, Gollop N, Mumcuoglu KY, Breuer E, Bhusare SR, Shai Y, Galun R (2007) Antibacterial substances of low molecular weight isolated from the blowfly, Lucilia sericata. Med Vet Entomol 21(2):127–131

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • James GA, Swogger E, Wolcott R, Pulcini E, Secor P, Sestrich J, Costerton JW, Stewart PS (2008) Biofilms in chronic wounds. Wound Repair Regen 16(1):37–44

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Jensen PO, Bjarnsholt T, Phipps R, Rasmussen TB, Calum H, Christoffersen L, Moser C, Williams P, Pressler T, Givskov M, Hoiby N (2007) Rapid necrotic killing of polymorphonuclear leukocytes is caused by quorum-sensing-controlled production of rhamnolipid by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Microbiology 153(Pt 5):1329–1338

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kirketerp-Moller K, Jensen PO, Fazli M, Madsen KG, Pedersen J, Moser C, Tolker-Nielsen T, Hoiby N, Givskov M, Bjarnsholt T (2008) Distribution, organization, and ecology of bacteria in chronic wounds. J Clin Microbiol 46(8):2717–2722

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Leid JG, Costerton JW, Shirtliff ME, Gilmore MS, Engelbert M (2002b) Immunology of Staphylococcal biofilm infections in the eye: new tools to study biofilm endophthalmitis. DNA Cell Biol 21(5–6):405–413

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Leid JG, Shirtliff ME, Costerton JW, Stoodley AP (2002a) Human leukocytes adhere to, penetrate, and respond to Staphylococcus aureus biofilms. Infect Immun 70(11):6339–6345

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Leid JG, Willson CJ, Shirtliff ME, Hassett DJ, Parsek MR, Jeffers AK (2005) The exopolysaccharide alginate protects Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm bacteria from IFN-gamma-mediated macrophage killing. J Immunol 175(11):7512–7518

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Marshall DA, Mertz PM, Eaglstein WH (1990) Occlusive dressings. Does dressing type influence the growth of common bacterial pathogens? Arch Surg 125(9):1136–1139

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Mertz PM, Eaglstein WH (1984) The effect of a semiocclusive dressing on the microbial population in superficial wounds. Arch Surg 119(3):287–289

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Percival SL, Bowler P, Woods EJ (2008) Assessing the effect of an antimicrobial wound dressing on biofilms. Wound Repair Regen 16(1):52–57

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Price LB, Liu CM, Melendez JH, Frankel YM, Engelthaler D, Aziz M, Bowers J, Rattray R, Ravel J, Kingsley C, Keim PS, Lazarus GS, Zenilman JM (2009) Community analysis of chronic wound bacteria using 16S rRNA gene-based pyrosequencing: impact of diabetes and antibiotics on chronic wound microbiota. PLoS One 4(7):e6462

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Rhoads DD, Wolcott RD, Percival SL (2008) Biofilms in wounds: management strategies. J Wound Care 17(11):502–508

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Robson MC, Stenberg BD, Heggers JP (1990) Wound healing alterations caused by infection. Clin Plast Surg 17(3):485–492

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Tarnuzzer RW, Schultz GS (1996) Biochemical analysis of acute and chronic wound environments. Wound Repair Regen 4(3):321–325

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Trengove NJ, Langton SR, Stacey MC (1996a) Biochemical analysis of wound fluid from nonhealing and healing chronic leg ulcers. Wound Repair Regen 4(2):234–239

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Trengove NJ, Stacey MC, McGechie DF, Mata S (1996b) Qualitative bacteriology and leg ulcer healing. J Wound Care 5(6):277–280

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • van der Plas MJ, Jukema GN, Wai SW, Dogterom-Ballering HC, Lagendijk EL, van, Gulpen C, van Dissel JT, Bloemberg GV, Nibbering PH (2008) Maggot excretions/secretions are differentially effective against biofilms of Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. J Antimicrob Chemother 61(1):117–122

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Vuong C, Voyich JM, Fischer ER, Braughton KR, Whitney AR, Deleo FR, Otto M (2004) Polysaccharide intercellular adhesin (PIA) protects Staphylococcus epidermidis against major components of the human innate immune system. Cell Microbiol 6(3):269–275

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Werthen M, Davoudi M, Sonesson A, Nitsche DP, Morgelin M, Blom K, Schmidtchen A (2004) Pseudomonas aeruginosa-induced infection and degradation of human wound fluid and skin proteins ex vivo are eradicated by a synthetic cationic polymer. J Antimicrob Chemother 54(4):772–779

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Wolcott RD, Rhoads DD (2008a) A study of biofilm-based wound management in subjects with critical limb ischaemia. J Wound Care 17(4):145–2, 154

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Wolcott RD, Rhoads DD (2008b) A study of biofilm-based wound management in subjects with critical limb ischaemia. J Wound Care 17(4):145–2, 154

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Wolcott RD, Kennedy JP, Dowd SE (2009) Regular debridement is the main tool for maintaining a healthy wound bed in most chronic wounds. J Wound Care 18(2):54–56

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Yager DR, Nwomeh BC (1999) The proteolytic environment of chronic wounds. Wound Repair Regen 7(6):433–441

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowlegment

Chronic wound research in Dr. James’ laboratory is supported by grant number 5 P20 GM078445 from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS). The contents of this publication are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the NIGMS.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Koege University Hospital, DK-4600, Koege, Denmark

    Klaus Kirketerp-Møller

  2. College of Nursing, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, 59717-3809, USA

    Karen Zulkowski

  3. Center for Biofilm Engineering, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, 59717-3809, USA

    Garth James

Authors
  1. Klaus Kirketerp-Møller
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Karen Zulkowski
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Garth James
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Klaus Kirketerp-Møller .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of International Health, Immu, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, Copenhagen Ø, DK-2200, Denmark

    Thomas Bjarnsholt

  2. Afsnit 9301, Department Clinical Microbiology, H:S Rigshospitalet, Juliane Maries Vej 22, Copenhagen Ø, DK-2100, Denmark

    Peter Østrup Jensen

  3. Afsnit 9301, Department for Clinical Microbiology, H:S Rigshospitalet, Juliane Maries Vej 22, Copenhagen Ø, DK-2100, Denmark

    Claus Moser

  4. Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of International Health, Immu, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsveg 3B, Copenhagen Ø, DK-2100, Denmark

    Niels Høiby

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2011 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Kirketerp-Møller, K., Zulkowski, K., James, G. (2011). Chronic Wound Colonization, Infection, and Biofilms. In: Bjarnsholt, T., Jensen, P., Moser, C., Høiby, N. (eds) Biofilm Infections. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-6084-9_2

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation