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Biofilm dispersal of community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus on orthopedic implant material

Katherine J Lauderdale1, Cheryl L Malone, Blaise R Boles

  • 1Department of Microbiology, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, USA.

Journal of Orthopaedic Research : Official Publication of the Orthopaedic Research Society
|July 18, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) biofilms on orthopedic implants can resist antibiotics. Quorum-sensing mediated dispersal from titanium surfaces restores antibiotic susceptibility, offering a potential therapeutic strategy.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Biomaterials Science
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Orthopedic implant infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus, particularly community-associated methicillin-resistant S. aureus (CA-MRSA), lead to significant morbidity and healthcare costs.
  • Biofilm formation by S. aureus on foreign bodies is a key factor in antibiotic resistance, complicating treatment and prophylaxis.
  • Understanding CA-MRSA biofilm behavior on implant materials is crucial for developing effective treatment strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the biofilm properties of CA-MRSA USA300 on various implant materials.
  • To characterize the quorum-sensing mediated dispersal mechanism of CA-MRSA biofilms.
  • To assess the susceptibility of dispersed CA-MRSA cells to antibiotics.

Main Methods:

  • Cultured USA300 CA-MRSA biofilms on glass, polycarbonate, and titanium surfaces.
  • Examined biofilm maturation, thickness, biomass, and substratum coverage.
  • Investigated biofilm dispersal using quorum-sensing mechanisms.
  • Assessed the susceptibility of dispersed biofilm cells to antibiotics (rifampicin, levofloxacin) and enzymatic degradation (proteinase K, DNaseI).

Main Results:

  • CA-MRSA USA300 biofilms exhibited significant quorum-sensing mediated dispersal from glass surfaces.
  • Biofilm growth on titanium, polycarbonate, and glass showed minimal differences in structural properties.
  • Titanium-grown biofilms possessed a functional dispersal mechanism.
  • Dispersed cells from titanium biofilms regained susceptibility to rifampicin and levofloxacin.
  • The biofilm matrix was indicated to be composed of protein and extracellular DNA.

Conclusions:

  • CA-MRSA biofilms display quorum-sensing mediated dispersal, a mechanism that is functional even on titanium implant surfaces.
  • Dispersal of CA-MRSA biofilms from titanium surfaces restores antibiotic susceptibility, highlighting a potential therapeutic target.
  • Targeting quorum-sensing dispersion may represent a novel strategy to combat orthopedic implant-related infections.

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