NovaBay Pharmaceuticals (NBY) - LifeTech Capital
NovaBay Pharmaceuticals (NBY) - LifeTech Capital
NovaBay Pharmaceuticals (NBY) - LifeTech Capital
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Microbial Biofilm Infections<br />
www.<strong>LifeTech</strong><strong>Capital</strong>.com December 7, 2010<br />
Biofilm is created as a defense mechanism by microorganisms in the human body by creating a protective<br />
mucopolysaccharide (gel-like) layer. Bacteria encased in biofilm are dormant and can survive for a long period of time as<br />
antibiotics are not effective against dormant bacteria. In addition, the biofilm itself blocks the neutrophils (white blood<br />
cells) from attacking the bacteria. Finally, many common antiseptics are neutralized by biofilm and rendered ineffective.<br />
5 STAGES OF BIOFILM<br />
1.) Reversible Absorption of Bacteria (seconds)<br />
2.) Irreversible Attachment of Bacteria (seconds to minutes)<br />
3.) Growth and Division of Bacteria (hours to days)<br />
4.) Exopolymer Production – Biofilm Formation (hours to days)<br />
5.) Bacteria Activation and Dispersion (days to months)<br />
Source: Peg Dirckx and David Davies<br />
Bacterial biofilm is associated with diseases such as sinus infections (sinusitis), ear infections, chronic wounds and<br />
infections related to cystic fibrosis. Bacterial biofilms are also frequently found on the surfaces of medical devices, such<br />
as catheters and implants, and can cause severe chronic or acute infections.<br />
BIOFILM-RELATED INFECTIONS WITH MEDICAL DEVICES<br />
CATHETERS DEVICES IMPLANTS<br />
Arterial catheters Biliary stents Arteriovenous shunts<br />
Central venous catheters Contact lens Breast implants<br />
Endotracheal tubes Coronary stents Cochlear implants<br />
Enteral feeding tubes Fracture fixation devices Dental implants<br />
Gastrostomy tubes Intracranial pressure devices Implanted defibrillators<br />
Hemodialysis catheters Intraocular lens Implanted monitors<br />
Nasogastric tubes Intrauterine devices Middle ear implants<br />
Peritoneal dialysis Joint prosthesis Neurosurgical stimulators<br />
Pulmonary artery catheters Mechanical heart valves Orthopedic prosthesis<br />
Tracheostomy tubes Ommaya reservoirs Pacemaker and leads<br />
Umbilical catheters Suture material Penile implants<br />
Urinary catheters Vascular assist devices Spinal implants<br />
Vascular grafts Voice prostheses<br />
Vascular shunts<br />
Source: M. Ryder, PhD, MS, RN,”Catheter-Related Infections: It's All About Biofilm”; Topics in Advanced Practice Nursing eJournal. 2005;5(3)<br />
<strong>NovaBay</strong> <strong>Pharmaceuticals</strong> (<strong>NBY</strong>) Page 5
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