To improve clinical management and scientific knowledge of biofilm-related infections, and to understand and treat microbial sources in the hospital environment and equipment.

Aims and objectives

The ESCMID Study Group on Biofilms (ESGB) is committed to advancing the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of biofilm-related infections as well as prevention of biofilm-related sources in health-care environments. 

ESGB provides a platform for exchanging and sharing information to understand all aspects of microbial biofilms bringing together exceptional clinical and multidisciplinary expertise. There remains a significant need for improved, evidence-based clinical guidelines for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of biofilm-related infections and transmissions originating from biofilms as a source in hospitals.

ESGB aims to consistently and, more effectively, drive basic and preclinical research toward clinical testing of novel treatments, biofilm-diagnostic methods and interventions to prevent biofilm sources and transmission. We aim at pushing these promising discoveries towards clinical implementation. Our focus includes all types of biofilms in health care settings whether established in native tissue, on implants, in medical devices or within the hospital environment.

We will pursue this by:

• Strengthening and increasing awareness of biofilms at conferences, supporting the biennial EUROBIOFILM meeting, and promoting various educational initiatives, both publicly and via social media.
• Continuously identifying gaps in clinical and scientific biofilm knowledge.
• Supporting our members in research at all levels to help close these gaps and improve clinical outcomes.
• Creating opportunities and establishing relevant contacts for early-career researchers.
• Actively encouraging collaborations both internally and externally by reaching out to other ESCMID study groups and additional scientific societies and experts.
• Encourage biofilm researchers and clinicians from regions and countries rarely involved in our activities.
• Promoting the inclusion of emerging areas such as One Health issues and biofilms in healthcare environment.
• We wellcome all clinical and research disciplines and other related discipilines not directly medical oriented.