Microbial Biofilms, Colorectal Inflammation and Cancer

The human gastrointestinal tract is colonized throughout its length by complex luminal and mucosal microbiota. Recently, there has been an upsurge in interest in the role of microbial communities that occur in biofilms on surfaces in the gut. Owing to their proximity to host tissues, mucosal bacteria interact more readily with the gut epithelium and immune system than their luminal counterparts, and recent researches indicate that they play an important role in the pathogenesis of the colorectal tumors. In this review, we will illustrate the association between microbial biofilms and epithelial cells, inflammation and carcinogenesis of the colorectum. Progress in the management of microbial biofilms is also illustrated.