Urinary Catheter Associated BiofilmsIntroductionBiofilms are a type of complex growth that involves multiple species that specialize and carry out individual metabolic processes. A biofilm is composed of various bacterial species, including several species of fungi, protozoa and yeast. These prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells attach to each other to survive using an adhesive of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). Biofilms function as a protected growth mode for organisms, promoting their survival in adverse environments by enhancing colonization and nutrient trapping (Simões et al., 2010). Biofilms form on various surfaces in contact with moving liquids, allowing a constant flow of microorganisms to the biofilm site. However, biofilms can be problematic and cause disease if they form in the body on tissues or medical devices. Urinary catheters are particularly prone to biofilm accumulation, and subsequent biofilm accumulation can lead to catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI). There are currently various methods to control microbial growth, but new therapeutic strategies are emerging to effectively eliminate biofilm formation in urinary catheters. Characteristics of biofilms Biofilms form when bacteria recognize attachment sites, respond to nutritional signals and face environmental stresses (Habash, 1999). . Biofilm formation occurs in stages, as shown in Figure 1. The first stage consists of planktonic microorganisms reversibly attaching to a conditioned surface through adsorption (Figure 1(a)). The organism achieves close proximity to this surface either by random flagellar propulsion or is directed toward the surface by chemotaxis...... middle of paper ......es, such as UroShield, which has been observed to promote destruction of neutrophils. planktonic cells and biofilms of Streptococcus epidermidis (Loike et al., 2013). ConclusionBiofilms are omnipresent in nature; however, the addition of an external object further enhances biofilm formation. In the human body, the implantation of medical devices can promote the growth of biofilms and cause infections. A notable example of an external medical device is the conventional urinary catheter which promotes biofilm formation, making the development of CAUTI inevitable. Current methods of treating CAUTI include the use of antibiotics and a range of preventative measures. New therapeutic methods involve a range of strategies, such as impregnating the catheter with antimicrobial agents and disrupting quorum sensing; propose a promising future for patients infected with CAUTI.