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An In Vitro Model of a Parallel-Plate Perfusion System to Study Bacterial Adherence to Graft Tissues
Published on: January 7, 2019
In vitro study of bacterial adherence to processed dura mater, processed pericardium, pericardium in saline, and
Thomas John1, Olivia C John, Roberta B Carey
1Department of Ophthalmology, Loyola University at Chicago, Maywood, USA. cornea999@aol.com
Purpose:
To study bacterial adherence to processed dura mater, processed pericardium, pericardium in saline, and human sclera and the difference in bacterial adherence to these tissues.
Setting:
Research Laboratory, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, Illinois, USA.
Methods:
Specimens of processed dura mater, processed human pericardium, pericardium in saline, and human sclera (N = 32) were exposed to Staphylococcus epidermidis (concentration 3 x 10(8)) for 10, 20, 40, and 60 minutes, washed for 5 seconds, fixed, and processed for scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Each bacterial count represents an average of 50 random SEM fields at x5,000 magnification. After SEM, selected specimens were processed for transmission electron microscopy.
Results:
The mean number of bacteria/mm(2) +/- SD adhering to the tissues at 10, 20, 40, and 60 minutes, respectively, were dura mater, 107,833 +/- 65,410, 104,500 +/- 13,471, 96,067 +/- 113,884, and 204,267 +/- 153,697; processed pericardium, 131,550 +/- 86,194, 100,900 +/- 20,031, 144,683 +/- 51,730, and 176,933 +/- 111,818; pericardium in saline, 7,925 +/- 1,520, 33,933 +/- 32,085, 1,217 +/- 1,287, and 21,550 +/- 16,436; and human sclera, 4,850 +/- 2,121, 23,700 +/- 17,961, 5,150 +/- 1,273, and 8,175 +/- 8,450. A 2-way analysis of variance showed significant differences among groups (P =.001) and no significant difference in sample time (P =.929).
Conclusions:
Bacterial adherence to processed dura mater, processed pericardium, pericardium in saline, and human sclera should be considered when these materials are used clinically during ophthalmic surgery and other surgical specialties. Adequate broad-spectrum antibiotic coverage is needed to prevent infection and subsequent complications in patients.
Insights
Bacterial adherence varied significantly across tissues, with processed dura mater and pericardium showing higher Staphylococcus epidermidis adhesion than pericardium in saline and human sclera. This highlights the need for antibiotic prophylaxis in surgeries using these biomaterials.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Microbiology
- Ophthalmic Surgery
Background:
- Biomaterials like dura mater and pericardium are used in various surgical procedures, including ophthalmic surgery.
- Understanding bacterial adherence to these tissues is crucial for preventing post-operative infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify and compare the adherence of Staphylococcus epidermidis to processed dura mater, processed pericardium, pericardium in saline, and human sclera.
- To determine if bacterial adherence differs significantly among these commonly used surgical biomaterials.
Main Methods:
- Specimens of dura mater, pericardium (processed and in saline), and human sclera were exposed to Staphylococcus epidermidis.
- Bacterial adherence was assessed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) at multiple time points (10, 20, 40, 60 minutes).
- Quantitative bacterial counts per square millimeter were averaged from SEM fields at high magnification.
Main Results:
- Significant differences in bacterial adherence were observed among the tested tissues (P = .001).
- Processed dura mater and processed pericardium exhibited substantially higher Staphylococcus epidermidis adherence compared to pericardium in saline and human sclera.
- No significant difference in adherence was found based on the duration of bacterial exposure (P = .929).
Conclusions:
- Bacterial adherence to processed dura mater and pericardium is a significant factor to consider in clinical applications, particularly in ophthalmic surgery.
- The choice of biomaterial can influence the risk of bacterial adhesion and subsequent infection.
- Prophylactic broad-spectrum antibiotic coverage is recommended to mitigate infection risks associated with the use of these tissues in surgery.
