Abstract
While it is possible for acute wounds to lack bacteria, most, but not all, chronic
wounds contain bacteria and this bacterial presence has been termed ‘‘bioburden.’’
Bioburden refers to the metabolic load imposed by bacteria (6). Often, it is the relation between the resident bacteria and the host whereby the balance between the bioburden and the host defenses determine if infection or detriment to healing will occur
(6,7). While, some authors believe density of microorganisms is the critical factor in
determining whether a wound is likely to heal (8-12), others believe specific pathogens are of primary importance in delayed healing (13-18). However, not all are convinced the importance of bacteria in delayed healing (19-25). This chapter focuses on
bacteria in wounds and attempts to eradicate those bacteria to correct any healing
detriment they may possess.