What term describes colonies of microorganisms that adhere to surfaces, including the human body?

The term that describes colonies of microorganisms that adhere to surfaces, including the human body, is biofilms. Biofilms are complex communities of various microorganisms that stick to surfaces, often embedded in a protective matrix of polysaccharides, proteins, and nucleic acids. These structures can form on living tissues, medical devices, and environmental surfaces.

Biofilms play a significant role in both health and disease. In the context of the human body, they can be found in places like the mouth, intestines, and on the skin, where they can contribute to normal microbiota and thus help maintain a healthy balance of microorganisms. However, biofilms can also contribute to infections by providing a protective environment for pathogens, making them more resistant to antibiotics and the immune system.

Pathogens refer specifically to microorganisms that cause disease, but this term does not encompass the broader concept of microbial colonies that adhere to surfaces. Colony-forming units (CFUs) is a term used in microbiology to estimate the number of viable bacteria or fungal cells in a sample but does not specifically refer to the adhesion or community structure of microorganisms. Microbiomes denote the collection of all microorganisms, including their genetic material, in a particular environment, but this term does not focus specifically on the