Abstract: Escherichia coli is part of the normal human flora and also an important pathogen that can cause significant morbidity and mortality. E. coli can form a biofilm on both biotic and abiotic surfaces, thereby enhancing its survival in adverse environments, especially against various disinfectants, detergents and antibiotics. In this article, the recent advances in the biofilm formation of E. coli, including its main process, characteristics and molecular regulatory mechanism, the factors influencing it, and control measures against it are reviewed. Some future research directions are proposed as well. This review is aimed to provide a basis for the prevention and control of E. coli biofilm.

Key words: Escherichia coli, biofilm, formation mechanism, influencing factor, control measures