Targeting Biofilm-Forming Staphylococcus aureus in Healthcare: Innovations in Prevention, Eradication, and Resistance Management

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) formation presents a critical challenge in healthcare settings, profoundly affecting patient outcomes and treatment strategies. Biofilms, complex microbial communities encased in an extracellular matrix, exhibit increased resistance to antibiotics and host immune responses. The ability of S. aureus to form biofilms in medical devices, such as catheters, prosthetic joints, and cardiac implants contributes to persistent and recurrent infections including bloodstream infections, endocarditis, osteomyelitis, and surgical site infections. These infections are frequently associated with implant failure, delayed wound healing, and prolonged hospital stays. S. aureus strains embedded in biofilms also facilitate the spread of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), posing a significant risk to vulnerable patient populations. Understanding the dynamics of biofilm-associated infections is crucial for developing targeted therapeutic interventions, including novel antibiotics, biofilm-disrupting agents, and immune-modulating strategies, to enhance treatment outcomes and strengthen infection control within healthcare environments. As the prevalence of antibiotic-resistant strains increases, innovative strategies such as biofilm-disrupting agents, antimicrobial-coated implants, and nanoparticle-based therapies are being explored to enhance treatment efficacy. This review explores the multifaceted impact of S. aureus biofilms on healthcare by evaluating specific infection types, clinical complications, and advancements in therapeutic strategies, with a focus on their economic burden, effects on treatment efficacy, and contribution to patient morbidity to improve healthcare outcomes.