Emerg Infect DiseidEmerging Infectious Diseases1080-60401080-6059Centers for Disease Control112947232631701Research ArticleBiofilms and device-associated infections.DonlanR. M.rld8@cdc.govCenters for Disease Control and Prevention Atlanta, Georgia 30333, USA.Mar-Apr200172277281

Microorganisms commonly attach to living and nonliving surfaces, including those of indwelling medical devices, and form biofilms made up of extracellular polymers. In this state, microorganisms are highly resistant to antimicrobial treatment and are tenaciously bound to the surface. To better understand and control biofilms on indwelling medical devices, researchers should develop reliable sampling and measurement techniques, investigate the role of biofilms in antimicrobial drug resistance, and establish the link between biofilm contamination and patient infection.