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Physiopathology of foreign body infections
1Infectious Diseases Unit, Geneva University Hospital, Switzerland.
Abstract:
Foreign body infections share several properties: a high susceptibility to microorganisms which are usually of low pathogenicity (such as S. epidermidis) and with only some exceptions failure to respond to antimicrobial therapy without surgery. The common denominator for the three elements that play a role in the physiopathology of such infections (bacteria, neutrophils and different materials) is host protein deposited over the surface of the foreign body. Staphylococci and neutrophils selectively adhere to fibronectin and to a variable degree to laminin and fibrinogen. These proteins potentially modulate phagocyte function. With the progress of biotechnology and the increasing numbers of implantable prostheses, it will become critical to increase our understanding on how to prevent and treat foreign body infections.
Insights
Foreign body infections, often caused by low-pathogenicity bacteria like Staphylococcus epidermidis, resist antibiotics without surgery. Understanding protein interactions on implants is key to preventing and treating these difficult infections.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Foreign body infections are challenging due to microbial resistance and the need for surgical intervention.
- Host proteins deposited on foreign materials are central to infection development.
- Common low-pathogenicity bacteria like Staphylococcus epidermidis are frequent culprits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the role of host proteins in the physiopathology of foreign body infections.
- To investigate the adherence mechanisms of bacteria and host immune cells to foreign materials.
- To identify potential targets for preventing and treating implant-associated infections.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of protein deposition on foreign body surfaces.
- Investigation of bacterial and neutrophil adherence to specific host proteins (fibronectin, laminin, fibrinogen).
- Assessment of how these protein interactions modulate phagocyte function.
Main Results:
- Host proteins on foreign bodies are a common factor in infection pathogenesis.
- Staphylococci and neutrophils exhibit selective adherence to fibronectin, laminin, and fibrinogen.
- These protein-host interactions influence phagocyte behavior, potentially hindering infection clearance.
Conclusions:
- Understanding host protein-mediated bacterial and neutrophil adhesion is crucial for combating foreign body infections.
- Further research into these interactions is vital for developing novel therapeutic and preventative strategies.
- The increasing use of implantable prostheses necessitates improved methods for managing associated infections.