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Updated: Mar 5, 2026
In vitro Coculture Assay to Assess Pathogen Induced Neutrophil Trans-epithelial Migration
Published on: January 6, 2014
An in vitro bacterial surface migration assay underneath sterile barrier material commonly found in a hospital
J D Shih1, L S Y Wood2, C L Dambkowski3
1Department of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, University of Saint Mary, Leavenworth, KS, USA.
Objective:
To determine what barrier material used in hospital neonatal intensive care units most effectively blocks bacterial migration.
Study Design:
Bacterial migration distance was compared across simple and complex solid media using Escherichia coli, an early and common neonatal gut colonizer, and Staphylococcus aureus, a common skin bacterium, across polystyrene, medical-grade silicone, hydrocolloid dressing and transparent film dressing as barrier materials on complex solid media.
Results:
Bacterial migration was significantly greater on complex versus simple solid media. Bacteria migrated farthest beneath hydrocolloid dressing and transparent film dressing, while migration underneath polystyrene and medical-grade silicone was generally comparable to no barrier.
Conclusions:
Commonly used hydrocolloid dressing and transparent film dressing surprisingly increases bacterial migration, possibly by providing a wet capillary surface for bacteria to attach to or inducing biofilm formation. Using polystyrene or silicone to interface with the site of catheter insertion may best avoid a bacterial wicking phenomenon.
