Eradication of Staphylococcus aureus Catheter-Related Biofilm Infections Using ML:8 and Citrox

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Biomaterials

Background:

• Staphylococci are a primary cause of catheter-related infections (CRIs) driven by biofilm formation.
• Current CRI management includes device removal or antibiotics, often with catheter lock solutions (CLSs).
• The optimal CLSs for staphylococcal biofilm infections remain undetermined.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the efficacy and suitability of ML:8 and Citrox as CLSs against Staphylococcus aureus biofilms.
• To compare the performance of these novel agents with existing CLS treatments.

Main Methods:

• In vitro biofilm assays (static and flow) were used to treat Staphylococcus aureus biofilms with ML:8 and Citrox.
• In vivo efficacy was evaluated using a rat model of catheter-related infection.
• Cytotoxicity, hemolytic activity, and cytokine response were assessed, alongside resistance development over 90 days.

Main Results:

• Both ML:8 and Citrox significantly reduced biofilm viability (>97%) within 24 hours in vitro.
• ML:8 inactivated early-stage biofilms in vivo, while Citrox targeted established, mature biofilms.
• Agents exhibited safety profiles comparable to commercial CLSs, with no induced cytokine response or increased resistance.

Conclusions:

• ML:8 and Citrox demonstrate significant potential as effective and safe catheter lock solutions.
• These agents offer a promising therapeutic strategy for managing Staphylococcus aureus catheter-related biofilm infections.