Preface

Salmonella infection is a widespread bacterial illness typically contracted through contaminated food and water. A particularly concerning aspect of Salmonella’s pathogenicity is its ability to form biofilms—structured communities of bacteria encased in an extracellular polymeric matrix. This biofilm acts as a protective barrier, shielding the bacterial cells from adverse conditions, including the penetration of antibiotics. Consequently, Salmonella biofilm infections present a significant challenge to public health worldwide. This book delves into the complexities of Salmonella biofilms, from their formation to their resistance mechanisms and the therapeutic strategies aimed at combating them. Chapter 1 introduces the concept of bacterial biofilms, detailing their formation and the implications for infection control. Chapter 2 provides an overview of the current global landscape of Salmonella biofilm infections, highlighting the differences between developed and developing nations. This foundational knowledge sets the stage for the rest of the book. Chapter 3 explores the links between Salmonella biofilm infections and other diseases, offering insights into the broader health implications of these infections. The subsequent chapters focus on therapeutic approaches: Chapter 4 discusses antibiotic therapies, while Chapter 5 examines the potential of enzymatic treatments to disrupt biofilms. Chapter 6 investigates the use of secondary metabolites and peptide-based therapies, and Chapter 7 explores the role of phytochemicals and natural compounds in combating Salmonella biofilms. Chapter 8 shifts the focus to synthetic compounds and their efficacy against biofilms. In the final sections, advanced therapeutic strategies are presented. Chapters 9–11 cover combinatorial therapies, drug repurposing, and nanotechnology-based treatments, respectively, offering a glimpse into the future of biofilm management. Chapter 12 discusses the future therapeutic strategies to decrease Salmonella biofilm infections. It may pave the way for more effective control of Salmonella biofilm infections. The editors and authors hope this book will be a valuable resource for a wide audience, from undergraduate students to seasoned researchers. While science is ever-evolving and we do not claim to have covered every aspect of Salmonella biofilms, we have endeavored to present the most current and comprehensive information available. We trust that the knowledge shared here will contribute meaningfully to ongoing efforts to combat this challenging public health issue.

Awanish Kumar

Aditya Upadhyay