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Cometta S, Hutmacher DW, Chai L. In vitro models for studying implant-associated biofilms - A review from the perspective of bioengineering 3D microenvironments. Biomaterials 2024; 309:122578. [PMID: 38692146 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2024.122578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
Biofilm research has grown exponentially over the last decades, arguably due to their contribution to hospital acquired infections when they form on foreign body surfaces such as catheters and implants. Yet, translation of the knowledge acquired in the laboratory to the clinic has been slow and/or often it is not attempted by research teams to walk the talk of what is defined as 'bench to bedside'. We therefore reviewed the biofilm literature to better understand this gap. Our search revealed substantial development with respect to adapting surfaces and media used in models to mimic the clinical settings, however many of the in vitro models were too simplistic, often discounting the composition and properties of the host microenvironment and overlooking the biofilm-implant-host interactions. Failure to capture the physiological growth conditions of biofilms in vivo results in major differences between lab-grown- and clinically-relevant biofilms, particularly with respect to phenotypic profiles, virulence, and antimicrobial resistance, and they essentially impede bench-to-bedside translatability. In this review, we describe the complexity of the biological processes at the biofilm-implant-host interfaces, discuss the prerequisite for the development and characterization of biofilm models that better mimic the clinical scenario, and propose an interdisciplinary outlook of how to bioengineer biofilms in vitro by converging tissue engineering concepts and tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Cometta
- Max Planck Queensland Centre, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia; Faculty of Engineering, School of Mechanical, Medical and Process Engineering, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia; Australian Research Council (ARC) Training Centre for Multiscale 3D Imaging, Modelling, and Manufacturing (M3D Innovation), Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia.
| | - Dietmar W Hutmacher
- Max Planck Queensland Centre, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia; Faculty of Engineering, School of Mechanical, Medical and Process Engineering, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia; Australian Research Council (ARC) Training Centre for Multiscale 3D Imaging, Modelling, and Manufacturing (M3D Innovation), Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia; Australian Research Council Training Centre for Cell and Tissue Engineering Technologies, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4059, Australia.
| | - Liraz Chai
- Max Planck Queensland Centre, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia; The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Institute of Chemistry, Jerusalem, 91904, Israel; The Harvey M. Krueger Family Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, 9190401, Israel.
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Flores T, Kerschbaumer C, Jaklin FJ, Rohrbacher A, Weber M, Luft M, Aspöck C, Ströbele B, Kitzwögerer M, Lumenta DB, Bergmeister KD, Schrögendorfer KF. Gram-Positive Bacteria Increase Breast Implant-Related Complications: Prospective Analysis of 100 Revised Implants. Plast Reconstr Surg 2024; 153:76-89. [PMID: 37036325 PMCID: PMC10729897 DOI: 10.1097/prs.0000000000010499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 04/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast implant-related complications can be reduced by strict antiseptic precautions during insertion, but bacteria can often be found on implant surfaces on the occasion of revision surgery. The authors prospectively analyzed the association of bacteria found on breast implant surfaces with implant-related complications in breast implant revision cases. METHODS The authors analyzed a total of 100 breast implant revisions in 66 patients between August of 2018 and January of 2021. Capsular swabs and capsular samples were taken intraoperatively. Analyses on the occurrence of bacteria and the occurrence of implant-related complications were performed. In addition, correlations between bacteria-contaminated breast implant surfaces and implant-related complications were performed. RESULTS Implant-related complications (perforation, rupture, capsular contraction) were observed in 42 implant sites: eight unilateral and 34 bilateral cases. In total, 16 swabs showed positive bacterial growth, 10 of which were associated with a breast implant-related complication (χ 2 = x, y, and z; P = 0.006). The most common implant-based complication at contaminated prosthetics was implant rupture. The association of contaminated breast implants and implant rupture was statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS The authors identified a correlation between implant complications and Gram-positive bacteria found on breast implant surfaces. The most common implant-based complication seen at simultaneously positive samples was implant rupture in 50% of the authors' cases. No capsular contraction or other complications were seen. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Risk, III.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tonatiuh Flores
- From the Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences
- Clinical Department of Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery
| | - Celina Kerschbaumer
- From the Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences
- Clinical Department of Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery
| | - Florian J. Jaklin
- Clinical Laboratory for Bionic Extremity Reconstruction, Department of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery, Medical University of Vienna
| | | | - Michael Weber
- From the Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences
| | - Matthias Luft
- From the Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences
- Clinical Department of Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery
- Clinical Laboratory for Bionic Extremity Reconstruction, Department of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery, Medical University of Vienna
| | - Christoph Aspöck
- From the Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences
- Clinical Institute of Hygiene and Microbiology
| | - Barbara Ströbele
- From the Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences
- Clinical Institute of Hygiene and Microbiology
| | - Melitta Kitzwögerer
- From the Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences
- Clinical Institute for Pathology, University Clinic of St. Poelten
| | - David B. Lumenta
- Division of Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Medical University of Graz
| | - Konstantin D. Bergmeister
- From the Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences
- Clinical Department of Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery
- Clinical Laboratory for Bionic Extremity Reconstruction, Department of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery, Medical University of Vienna
| | - Klaus F. Schrögendorfer
- From the Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences
- Clinical Department of Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery
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Myckatyn TM, Duran Ramirez JM, Walker JN, Hanson BM. Management of Biofilm with Breast Implant Surgery. Plast Reconstr Surg 2023; 152:919e-942e. [PMID: 37871028 DOI: 10.1097/prs.0000000000010791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
LEARNING OBJECTIVES After studying this article, the participant should be able to: 1. Understand how bacteria negatively impact aesthetic and reconstructive breast implants. 2. Understand how bacteria infect breast implants. 3. Understand the evidence associated with common implant infection-prevention strategies, and their limitations. 4. Understand why implementation of bacteria-mitigation strategies such as antibiotic administration or "no-touch" techniques may not indefinitely prevent breast implant infection. SUMMARY Bacterial infection of aesthetic and reconstructive breast implants is a common and expensive problem. Subacute infections or chronic capsular contractures leading to device explantation are the most commonly documented sequelae. Although bench and translational research underscores the complexities of implant-associated infection, high-quality studies with adequate power, control groups, and duration of follow-up are lacking. Common strategies to minimize infections use antibiotics-administered systemically, in the breast implant pocket, or by directly bathing the implant before insertion-to limit bacterial contamination. Limiting contact between the implant and skin or breast parenchyma represents an additional common strategy. The clinical prevention of breast implant infection is challenged by the clean-contaminated nature of breast parenchyma, and the variable behavior of not only specific bacterial species but also their strains. These factors impact bacterial virulence and antibiotic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terence M Myckatyn
- From the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine
| | | | - Jennifer N Walker
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics
- Center for Infectious Diseases, Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
| | - Blake M Hanson
- Center for Antimicrobial Resistance and Microbial Genomics, McGovern Medical School
- Center for Infectious Diseases, Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
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Márquez-Gómez M, Díaz-Navarro M, Visedo A, Hafian R, Matas J, Muñoz P, Vaquero J, Guembe M, Sanz-Ruíz P. An In Vitro Study to Assess the Best Strategy for the Chemical Debridement of Periprosthetic Joint Infection. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:1507. [PMID: 37887208 PMCID: PMC10604180 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12101507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Irrigation and debridement using an irrigation solution is a fundamental step during the surgical treatment of both acute and chronic periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). However, there is no consensus on the optimal solution, nor is there sufficient evidence on the optimal irrigation time and combination of solutions. Therefore, it is necessary to determine which solution or combination of solutions is most efficacious against biofilm, as well as the optimal irrigation time. We conducted an experimental in vitro model by inoculating stainless steel discs with ATCC strains of methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin-resistant S. aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and a clinical strain of Staphylococcus epidermidis. The discs were all irrigated with commonly used antiseptic solutions (10% and 3% povidone iodine, hydrogen peroxide, 3% acetic acid, and Bactisure™) for 1 min, 3 min, and 5 min and their combinations for 9 min (3 min each) vs. sterile saline as a positive control. We evaluated the reduction in biofilm based on colony-forming unit (cfu) counts and in combination assays, also based on cell viability and scanning electron microscopy. All antiseptics alone reduced more than 90% of cfu counts after 1 min of irrigation; the worst results were for hydrogen peroxide and 3% acetic acid. When solutions were sequentially combined, the best results were observed for all those starting with acetic acid, in terms of both reduction of log cfu/mL counts and viable cells. We consider that a combination of antiseptic solutions, particularly that comprising the sequence acetic acid + povidone iodine + hydrogen peroxide, would be the best option for chemical debridement during PJI surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Márquez-Gómez
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, 28007 Madrid, Spain; (M.M.-G.); (J.M.); (J.V.); (P.S.-R.)
| | - Marta Díaz-Navarro
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, 28007 Madrid, Spain; (M.D.-N.); (A.V.); (P.M.)
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, 28007 Madrid, Spain
| | - Andrés Visedo
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, 28007 Madrid, Spain; (M.D.-N.); (A.V.); (P.M.)
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, 28007 Madrid, Spain
| | - Rama Hafian
- Faculty of Science, University of Alcalá de Henares, Madrid 28801, Spain;
| | - José Matas
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, 28007 Madrid, Spain; (M.M.-G.); (J.M.); (J.V.); (P.S.-R.)
| | - Patricia Muñoz
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, 28007 Madrid, Spain; (M.D.-N.); (A.V.); (P.M.)
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, 28007 Madrid, Spain
- CIBER Enfermedades Respiratorias-CIBERES (CB06/06/0058), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Medicine Department, School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Vaquero
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, 28007 Madrid, Spain; (M.M.-G.); (J.M.); (J.V.); (P.S.-R.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, 28007 Madrid, Spain; (M.D.-N.); (A.V.); (P.M.)
- Medicine Department, School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - María Guembe
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, 28007 Madrid, Spain; (M.D.-N.); (A.V.); (P.M.)
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, 28007 Madrid, Spain
| | - Pablo Sanz-Ruíz
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, 28007 Madrid, Spain; (M.M.-G.); (J.M.); (J.V.); (P.S.-R.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, 28007 Madrid, Spain; (M.D.-N.); (A.V.); (P.M.)
- Medicine Department, School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
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Walker JN, Hanson BM, Hunter T, Simar SR, Duran Ramirez JM, Obernuefemann CLP, Parikh RP, Tenenbaum MM, Margenthaler JA, Hultgren SJ, Myckatyn TM. A prospective randomized clinical trial to assess antibiotic pocket irrigation on tissue expander breast reconstruction. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0143023. [PMID: 37754546 PMCID: PMC10581127 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01430-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacterial infection is the most common complication following staged post-mastectomy breast reconstruction initiated with a tissue expander (TE). To limit bacterial infection, antibiotic irrigation of the surgical site is commonly performed despite little high-quality data to support this practice. We performed a prospective randomized control trial to compare the impact of saline irrigation alone to a triple antibiotic irrigation regimen (1 g cefazolin, 80 mg gentamicin, and 50,000 units of bacitracin in 500 mL of saline) for breast implant surgery. The microbiome in breasts with cancer (n = 16) was compared to those without (n = 16), as all patients (n = 16) had unilateral cancers but bilateral mastectomies (n = 32). Biologic and prosthetic specimens procured both at the time of mastectomy and during TE removal months later were analyzed for longitudinal comparison. Outcomes included clinical infection, bacterial abundance, and relative microbiome composition. No patient in either group suffered a reconstructive failure or developed an infection. Triple antibiotic irrigation administered at the time of immediate TE reconstruction did not reduce bacterial abundance or impact microbial diversity relative to saline irrigation at the time of planned exchange. Implanted prosthetic material adopted the microbial composition of the surrounding host tissue. In cancer-naïve breasts, relative to saline, antibiotic irrigation increased bacterial abundance on periprosthetic capsules (P = 0.03) and acellular dermal matrices (P = 0.04) and altered the microbiota on both. These data show that, relative to saline only, the use of triple antibiotic irrigation in TE breast reconstruction does impact the bacterial abundance and diversity of certain biomaterials from cancer-naïve breasts. IMPORTANCE The lifetime risk of breast cancer is ~13% in women and is treated with a mastectomy in ~50% of cases. The majority are reconstructed, usually starting with a tissue expander to help restore the volume for a subsequent permanent breast implant or the women's own tissues. The biopsychosocial benefits of breast reconstruction, though, can be tempered by a high complication rate of at least 7% but over 30% in some women. Bacterial infection is the most common complication, and can lead to treatment delays, patient physical and emotional distress and escalating health care cost. To limit this risk, plastic surgeons have tried a variety of strategies to limit bacterial infection including irrigating the pocket created after removing the breast implant with antibiotic solutions, but good-quality data are scarce. Herein, we study the value of antibiotics in pocket irrigation using a robust randomized clinical trial design and molecular microbiology approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer N. Walker
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Sciences Center, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics & Environmental Sciences, Center for Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, University of Texas Health Sciences Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Blake M. Hanson
- Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics & Environmental Sciences, Center for Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, University of Texas Health Sciences Center, Houston, Texas, USA
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Pediatrics, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Sciences Center, Houston, Texas, USA
- Center for Antimicrobial Resistance and Microbial Genomics, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Sciences Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Tayler Hunter
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Sciences Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Shelby R. Simar
- Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics & Environmental Sciences, Center for Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, University of Texas Health Sciences Center, Houston, Texas, USA
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Pediatrics, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Sciences Center, Houston, Texas, USA
- Center for Antimicrobial Resistance and Microbial Genomics, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Sciences Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jesus M. Duran Ramirez
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Sciences Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Chloe L. P. Obernuefemann
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
- Center for Women’s Infectious Disease Research, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Rajiv P. Parikh
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Marissa M. Tenenbaum
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Julie A. Margenthaler
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Scott J. Hultgren
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
- Center for Women’s Infectious Disease Research, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Terence M. Myckatyn
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
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Ali A, Zahra A, Kamthan M, Husain FM, Albalawi T, Zubair M, Alatawy R, Abid M, Noorani MS. Microbial Biofilms: Applications, Clinical Consequences, and Alternative Therapies. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1934. [PMID: 37630494 PMCID: PMC10459820 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11081934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Biofilms are complex communities of microorganisms that grow on surfaces and are embedded in a matrix of extracellular polymeric substances. These are prevalent in various natural and man-made environments, ranging from industrial settings to medical devices, where they can have both positive and negative impacts. This review explores the diverse applications of microbial biofilms, their clinical consequences, and alternative therapies targeting these resilient structures. We have discussed beneficial applications of microbial biofilms, including their role in wastewater treatment, bioremediation, food industries, agriculture, and biotechnology. Additionally, we have highlighted the mechanisms of biofilm formation and clinical consequences of biofilms in the context of human health. We have also focused on the association of biofilms with antibiotic resistance, chronic infections, and medical device-related infections. To overcome these challenges, alternative therapeutic strategies are explored. The review examines the potential of various antimicrobial agents, such as antimicrobial peptides, quorum-sensing inhibitors, phytoextracts, and nanoparticles, in targeting biofilms. Furthermore, we highlight the future directions for research in this area and the potential of phytotherapy for the prevention and treatment of biofilm-related infections in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asghar Ali
- Clinical Biochemistry Lab, D/O Biochemistry, School of Chemical and Lifesciences, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi 110062, India;
| | - Andaleeb Zahra
- Department of Botany, School of Chemical and Lifesciences, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi 110062, India;
| | - Mohan Kamthan
- Clinical Biochemistry Lab, D/O Biochemistry, School of Chemical and Lifesciences, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi 110062, India;
| | - Fohad Mabood Husain
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Thamer Albalawi
- Department of Biology, College of Science and Humanities in Al-Kharj, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj 11942, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Mohammad Zubair
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 71491, Saudi Arabia; (M.Z.); (R.A.)
| | - Roba Alatawy
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 71491, Saudi Arabia; (M.Z.); (R.A.)
| | - Mohammad Abid
- Department of Biosciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi 110025, India;
| | - Md Salik Noorani
- Department of Botany, School of Chemical and Lifesciences, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi 110062, India;
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Di Domenico EG, Oliva A, Guembe M. The Current Knowledge on the Pathogenesis of Tissue and Medical Device-Related Biofilm Infections. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10071259. [PMID: 35888978 PMCID: PMC9322301 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10071259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Biofilm is the trigger for the majority of infections caused by the ability of microorganisms to adhere to tissues and medical devices. Microbial cells embedded in the biofilm matrix are highly tolerant to antimicrobials and escape the host immune system. Thus, the refractory nature of biofilm-related infections (BRIs) still represents a great challenge for physicians and is a serious health threat worldwide. Despite its importance, the microbiological diagnosis of a BRI is still difficult and not routinely assessed in clinical microbiology. Moreover, biofilm bacteria are up to 100–1000 times less susceptible to antibiotics than their planktonic counterpart. Consequently, conventional antibiograms might not be representative of the bacterial drug susceptibility in vivo. The timely recognition of a BRI is a crucial step to directing the most appropriate biofilm-targeted antimicrobial strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enea Gino Di Domenico
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology “C. Darwin”, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy;
| | - Alessandra Oliva
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy;
| | - María Guembe
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, 28007 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, 28007 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-914-269-595
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