A bioresorbable calcium phosphate delivery system with teicoplanin for treating MRSA osteomyelitis

J Lazarettos1, N Efstathopoulos, P J Papagelopoulos

  • 1Second Department of Orthopaedics, University of Athens, Athens, Greece.

Insights

Calcium phosphate cement effectively delivered teicoplanin to treat methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus osteomyelitis in rabbits, leading to clinical improvement and bone healing. This bone graft material shows promise for treating bone infections.

Area of Science:

  • Biomaterials Science
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Orthopedic Surgery

Background:

  • Osteomyelitis, particularly that caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), presents a significant clinical challenge.
  • Effective local delivery of antibiotics is crucial for eradicating deep-seated bone infections.
  • Calcium phosphate cement is a well-established bone void filler with potential for drug delivery.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of calcium phosphate cement as a delivery system for teicoplanin in treating MRSA osteomyelitis.
  • To assess the impact of this combined treatment on bacterial eradication and bone regeneration in a rabbit model.

Main Methods:

  • Osteomyelitis was induced in rabbit femurs by inoculation with MRSA.
  • Following infection establishment, calcium phosphate cement loaded with 3% teicoplanin was surgically implanted.
  • Animals were divided into treatment and control groups, with sacrifice at various time points post-implantation for analysis.

Main Results:

  • Significant clinical improvement was observed in rabbits treated with teicoplanin-loaded calcium phosphate cement.
  • Bone cultures became sterile by the second week of treatment, contrasting with persistent MRSA in control groups.
  • Histological examination revealed decreased osteomyelitis scores and evidence of new host bone formation.

Conclusions:

  • Calcium phosphate cement serves as a promising local delivery system for teicoplanin in treating MRSA osteomyelitis.
  • The combination of antibiotic delivery and bone defect filling promotes infection resolution and bone regeneration.