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Biofilms

Biofilms

Biofilms are complex communities of microorganisms encased in a self-produced extracellular polysaccharide matrix attached to surfaces. These microbial consortia can include single or multiple species, providing enhanced survival benefits by forming organized, multilayered structures.The formation of biofilms occurs through four key stages: attachment, colonization, development, and dispersal.During attachment, free-swimming planktonic cells adhere to a surface, often facilitated by...

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Updated: Mar 16, 2026

Growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Biofilms

Growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Biofilms

Published on: February 15, 2012

Bacterial Biofilms in Jones Tubes.

Eric S Ahn¹, Matthew J Hauck, Jonathan Kirk Harris

¹*Ophthalmic Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon; †Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora; and ‡Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado, U.S.A.

Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

|August 5, 2016

Summary

Bacterial biofilms are often found on Jones tubes (JTs), but their presence doesn't always indicate infection or inflammation. Routine cleaning of JTs is recommended to manage potential issues.

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Last Updated: Mar 16, 2026

Growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Biofilms

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Published on: February 15, 2012

Co-culture Models of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilms Grown on Live Human Airway Cells

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Bile Salt-induced Biofilm Formation in Enteric Pathogens: Techniques for Identification and Quantification

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Published on: May 6, 2018

Area of Science:

Ophthalmology
Microbiology

Background:

Jones tubes (JTs) are used to treat nasolacrimal duct obstruction.
Bacterial biofilms may form on indwelling medical devices, potentially leading to inflammation or infection.

Observation:

This study investigated bacterial biofilms on JTs using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
JTs were collected from patients presenting with routine care needs or symptoms of irritation/infection.

Findings:

Biofilms were detected on 60% of examined JTs via SEM, with identified bacteria including Pseudomonadales, Pseudomonas, and Staphylococcus.
While 43% of patients reported symptoms, biofilm presence did not consistently correlate with inflammation or infection.
Symptomatic patients showed rapid improvement after tube exchange and treatment.

Implications:

Bacterial biofilms are common on Jones tubes, irrespective of symptoms.
Routine cleaning and management of JTs are advised to prevent or treat biofilm-related inflammation.
Further research may explore optimal strategies for biofilm prevention and management in JT cases.