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Effect of polymyxin B on intestinal bacterial translocation in Pseudomonas aeruginosa wound-colonized burned mice
H M Dijkstra1, W L Manson, H J Klasen
1Department of Surgery, University of Groningen, The Netherlands.
Abstract:
Bacterial translocation (BT) from the gastrointestinal tract has been proposed to play a role in the pathogenesis of septic complications in severely burned patients. In a burn model the effect of a subtherapeutic dose of polymyxin B-sulfate (PB) at BT was examined in Escherichia coli-monoassociated mice with Pseudomonas aeruginosa-inoculated burn wounds. The BT incidence and number of translocating microorganisms to the spleen (p less than 0.01), liver (p less than 0.01), lung (p less than 0.05) and heart (p less than 0.05) were diminished significantly in the PB-treated versus the untreated group. Endotoxin in plasma was detectable in one of the 16 PB-treated versus 6 of the 17 control mice (p less than 0.05). The relation of Pseudomonas burn wound inoculation, BT, endotoxin and the endotoxin-neutralizing properties of PB will be discussed.
Insights
Subtherapeutic polymyxin B-sulfate reduced bacterial translocation and endotoxin levels in burned mice. This suggests potential for managing septic complications in burn patients by targeting gut bacteria.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Surgical Infections
Background:
- Bacterial translocation (BT) from the gastrointestinal tract is implicated in septic complications following severe burns.
- Understanding the mechanisms and potential interventions for BT is crucial for improving patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of a subtherapeutic dose of polymyxin B-sulfate (PB) on bacterial translocation in a murine burn model.
- To assess the impact of PB on the dissemination of microorganisms and endotoxin levels in burn patients.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a murine model with Escherichia coli monoassociation and Pseudomonas aeruginosa-inoculated burn wounds.
- Administered a subtherapeutic dose of polymyxin B-sulfate (PB) to assess its impact on BT.
- Quantified bacterial translocation to spleen, liver, lung, and heart, and measured plasma endotoxin levels.
Main Results:
- PB treatment significantly diminished the incidence and number of translocating microorganisms to multiple organs (spleen, liver, lung, heart).
- Endotoxin was detectable in significantly fewer PB-treated mice compared to controls.
- Demonstrated a significant reduction in bacterial translocation and endotoxin presence with PB administration.
Conclusions:
- Subtherapeutic polymyxin B-sulfate effectively reduces bacterial translocation in a burn wound model.
- PB shows promise in mitigating septic complications associated with bacterial translocation in burn injuries.
- The findings highlight the potential of PB in managing endotoxemia and bacterial dissemination in severely burned patients.