Biofilm-mediated gastrointestinal diseases

The gastrointestinal tract is a unique organ system in the human body that communicates with both external and internal environments. The microbes in the gastrointestinal tract exist both in a planktonic form free in the lumen and as part of biofilm attached to the epithelium. Biofilms have been implicated in pathogenesis of many GI diseases like Barret's esophagus, malignancies of the esophagus stomach and colon, inflammatory bowel disease, infectious diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, etc. Not only do they contribute to the pathogenesis of these diseases but also hamper with treatment by inducing resistance or by acting as a barrier to the host immune system and antimicrobials. This chapter gives a brief overview of role of biofilm in common GI diseases, its implication in pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment.