Antibiofilm Strategies in Neonatal and Pediatric Infections

Area of Science:

• Neonatal and pediatric infectious diseases
• Microbiology
• Medical device-associated infections

Background:

• Biofilm-related infections present significant challenges in neonatal and pediatric care, increasing morbidity and mortality.
• Microbial biofilms, composed of bacteria and fungi, are resilient to antibiotics and immune responses, commonly forming on medical devices.
• Neonates and children, especially in intensive care units, are vulnerable to these infections due to prolonged use of invasive devices like central lines and feeding tubes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current knowledge on antibiofilm strategies for neonatal and pediatric populations.
• To highlight challenges posed by biofilm infections in vulnerable pediatric groups.
• To explore novel approaches for combating biofilm formation and dispersal in children.

Main Methods:

• Literature review summarizing current research on antibiofilm strategies.
• Analysis of common pathogens and medical devices associated with pediatric biofilm infections.
• Evaluation of emerging antibiofilm therapies and their potential applications.

Main Results:

• Bacterial species like *Enterococcus faecalis*, *Pseudomonas aeruginosa*, *Staphylococcus aureus*, and *Staphylococcus epidermidis* frequently form biofilms on medical devices.
• *Candida* species, including multi-drug resistant strains, pose emerging threats in neonatal care.
• Current antimicrobial therapies are often insufficient for complete biofilm eradication.

Conclusions:

• Novel antibiofilm strategies, including surface modifications, enzyme-based treatments, and quorum-sensing inhibitors, show promise.
• Prudent management of medical devices is essential.
• Innovative antibiofilm therapies are imperative to mitigate neonatal and pediatric biofilm infections.