That's right Sue @sueinmn, in fact biofilms are everywhere in nature and the built environment. But they aren't all the same -- some biofilm is tougher than others. And some bacteria have less, or even a lot less, of their bugs locked up in biofilms. As a result, they're easier to hit with antibiotics, disinfectants and chlorine.

Unfortunately, copper pipes or taps aren't a lasting solution to help us avoid mycobacteria or other bugs in the water supply. (I wish they were!) Although brand new copper pipes and taps start out being more effective at reducing bugs than other materials -- plastic/pvc, iron, stainless steel, cement, etc -- sadly, research has shown that after 200 days, they end up just the same as these other materials. (Copper naturally oxidises over time and forms films, so less copper ions and particulate can be released).

Even though biofilms are everywhere, our biggest problem is the mycobacterial biofilms already in our lungs.

Mycobacterial biofilms for both fast- and slow-growing bacteria form really quickly -- 3 days is common. And these myco biofilms aren't just inert piles of goop -- they can actually cause lung cavities and lung damage almost as much as free-floating mycobacteria can. Myco biofilms also select for 'persisters' and can really increase drug resistance over time -- so it definitely isn't benign stuff!

It isn't easy to get rid of mycobacterial biofilms -- and almost impossible for many antibiotics to do it alone. But there's some research showing that if anti-biofilm agents are used to treat patients, as well as antibiotics, the effects of those antibiotics are significantly increased and improved. Of course, so far, few anti-biofilm agents have been found to be safe to use in the lung. And there's very little mycobacterial treatment research specifically on this subject yet. We need to push for more research to be done.

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