Mature Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilms Prevail Compared to Young Biofilms in the Presence of Ceftazidime

Phenotypic tolerances to antibiotics of mature and young Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 biofilms and released planktonic bacteria were compared for four antibiotics. Resistance levels were similar for gentamicin and ciprofloxacin but differed for ceftazidime and meropenem. beta-Lactamase mapping showed that, after 5 h of ceftazidime exposure, mature biofilms produced more beta-lactamase than young biofilms, facilitating the growth of released planktonic bacteria. This shows the importance of early treatment and choice of antibiotics for P. aeruginosa biofilm infections.