Biofilms in Bacterial Endocarditis

3. A communication mechanism used by bacteria within biofilms to coordinate their activities.(2 words)
6. A condition where biofilms on damaged heart valves lead to a bacterial infection in the heart.(2 words)
10. A biofilm that forms on teeth when bacteria in the mouth adhere to tooth surfaces. (2 words)
12. A slimy substance produced by biofilm-forming bacteria that surrounds and protects the microbial community.(3 words)
14. communities of microorganisms that adhere to surfaces to form a self-produced protective matrix
15. Proteins or molecules on the surface of bacteria that enable them to stick to surfaces, initiating the biofilm formation process.(2 words)
17. The process of breaking down or disrupting a biofilm's structure, which can be a goal in treating bacterial infections.

1. A molecular biology technique used to detect and identify specific bacteria within biofilms.(3 words)
2. The ability of biofilms to resist the effects of antibiotics, which is a key characteristic that makes them difficult to treat.(2 words)
4. Groups of microoganisms that cluster together within a biofilm, often contributing to the structure's complexity.(2 words)
5. serious infection that affects the inner lining of the heart(two words)
7. the process by which bacteria adhere to surfaces, like a heart valve to form a biofilm.
8. The main function of a biofilm, shielding bacteria from external threats.
9. the ability of biofilms to withstand the body's immune response and antibiotics, making infections difficult to treat.
11. Tiny living organisms, including bacteria, that make up the biofilm community.
13. Biofilms often lead to chronic, long-lasting infections due to their resistance to the host's immune system and antibiotics.(2 words)
16. the protective structure produced by bacteria in a biofilm