APPLICATIONS OF IMAGING TECHNIQUES IN THE DETECTION OF BIOFILMS AND RESISTANCE MECHANISMS IN PATHOGENIC BACTERIA

Abstract

Bacterial resistance, a critical public health challenge, is driven by mechanisms such as biofilms, which protect bacteria against antimicrobials, being studied by imaging techniques such as electron microscopy and fluorescence. These tools reveal morphological and structural details, such as cell wall thickening and efflux pumps, aiding in the understanding of the pathophysiology of infections and the development of targeted therapies. The rise of multidrug-resistant bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, highlights the urgency of strategies to contain this global threat.