Contents


Preface

I am greatly thankful to IntechOpen for inviting me to serve as editor of this book

This book covers a wide array of subjects relevant to bacterial biofilms specifically focusing on *P. aeruginosa* and associated infections. The principal objective of this book is to provide readers with a clear and comprehensive overview of biofilm formation and its detrimental impacts. In addition, this book also examines topics related to biosynthesis virulence factors by *P. aeruginosa* to facilitate biofilm formation, antibiotic resistance mechanisms, and infections. Biofilms and associated infections have a huge impact on human health, livestock, agriculture, and the world's economy overall. Thus, it is of paramount importance for scientists, medical professionals, healthcare workers, and the public to gain knowledge on this recurring issue and do every bit to sustain biofilms and their damaging impacts.

*P. aeruginosa* is an opportunistic Gram-negative bacterium that easily thrives and survives in various biotic and abiotic environments. Colonization and establishment of this bacterium species as biofilms, especially in hospitals and other communal environments, leads to contamination of water and food and is the leading cause of healthcare-associated or nosocomial infections. *P. aeruginosa* is also the most common pathogen in patients with cystic fibrosis, urinary tract infection, and wounds. Its antibiotic resistance is a major cause of mortality and morbidity. Understanding the mechanisms by which *P. aeruginosa* establishes as biofilms, evades antibiotics and antiseptics, and triggers life-threatening infections in humans is very important. Research on *P. aeruginosa* has been in the limelight for many decades as evidenced by the hundreds of journals, conferences, and projects in this field. Published research papers, conferences, and opinions from expert scientists, clinicians, and healthcare workers in recent years have undoubtedly enhanced the scientific basis for *P. aeruginosa*-associated infections

To this end, I would also like to express my gratitude to all the scientists and researchers from different research institutes and universities who put immense

**Theerthankar Das**

Sydney, Australia

School of Medical Sciences, The University of Sydney,

Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology,

effort into writing their chapters for this book.

and treatments.

on *Pseudomonas aeruginosa - Biofilm Formation, Infections and Treatments*.
