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Basic Science
intermediate
X-Type

Biofilm Formation - Implications for Orthopaedic Infections

Infection Biology

A trainee is asked about biofilm formation during a basic science viva. The examiner presents a case of a patient with prosthetic joint infection who failed multiple courses of antibiotics despite culture-proven sensitivity. The trainee is asked to explain the mechanisms underlying antibiotic failure in implant-associated infections. Regarding biofilm formation and its clinical implications:

Mark each as TRUE or FALSE

A

Biofilm is a structured bacterial community enclosed in self-produced extracellular polymeric substa...

B

Biofilm formation occurs in stages: reversible attachment (0-4 hours), irreversible attachment with ...

C

Biofilm bacteria are genetically resistant to antibiotics which explains their increased MIC; persis...

D

Persister cells are dormant, metabolically inactive bacteria (0.1-1% of biofilm population) that sur...

E

DAIR (debridement, antibiotics, implant retention) is only successful for acute infections (less tha...

Answer the questions to see explanations

Click T (True) or F (False) for each option