Impact of polymethylmethacrylate additives on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius biofilm formation

Shauna Morrison1, Ameet Singh, Joyce Rousseau

  • 1Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada.

Abstract

Insights

Gentamicin-impregnated polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) beads reduced methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MRSP) biofilm formation in vitro, but only for gentamicin-susceptible strains. Silver additives showed no effect on MRSP biofilm.

Area of Science:

  • Biomaterials Science
  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MRSP) poses a significant challenge due to its ability to form biofilms.
  • Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) beads are used in orthopedic implants and can be impregnated with antibiotics to prevent infections.
  • Evaluating the efficacy of antibiotic-loaded PMMA against MRSP biofilms is crucial for improving treatment outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the in vitro efficacy of PMMA beads containing gentamicin, silver, or both, against MRSP biofilm formation.
  • To determine if the presence of gentamicin or silver in PMMA influences MRSP biofilm development.
  • To compare the effects of gentamicin-alone, silver-alone, and combined gentamicin-silver PMMA beads on MRSP biofilm.

Main Methods:

  • Four types of PMMA beads were prepared: control (no additive), gentamicin, silver, and gentamicin plus silver.
  • Beads were exposed to 10 different MRSP isolates known for strong biofilm formation.
  • Biofilm formation was quantified by counting colony-forming units (CFUs) after sonication and serial dilution.

Main Results:

  • No PMMA additive completely inhibited MRSP biofilm formation.
  • Gentamicin and gentamicin-plus-silver PMMA significantly reduced biofilm formation compared to controls.
  • Silver alone did not significantly impact MRSP biofilm formation; no difference was observed between gentamicin and gentamicin-plus-silver groups.

Conclusions:

  • Gentamicin-impregnated PMMA effectively reduced biofilm formation in gentamicin-susceptible MRSP isolates.
  • Gentamicin-impregnated PMMA showed no efficacy against gentamicin-non-susceptible MRSP isolates.
  • Silver-impregnated PMMA demonstrated no effect on MRSP biofilm formation, and its in vivo efficacy cannot be assumed without specific testing.