Comparison of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius adherence to 2 canine limb salvage endoprosthesis

Alim Nazarali1, Ameet Singh1, Shauna Morrison1

  • 1Department of Clinical Studies (Nazarali, Singh, Morrison, Gibson) and Department of Pathobiology (Rousseau, Weese), Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1; Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA 32610-0126 (Boston).

Insights

Tantalum (TA) canine limb salvage endoprostheses show higher methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MRSP) bacterial adhesion compared to stainless steel (SS) implants. This increased adhesion may elevate the risk of infection in veterinary orthopedic surgery.

Area of Science:

  • Comparative microbiology and biomaterials science in veterinary orthopedics.

Background:

  • Canine limb salvage endoprostheses are crucial for treating bone tumors and severe injuries.
  • Implant-associated infections, often caused by bacteria like MRSP, are a significant complication.
  • Material choice for endoprostheses can influence bacterial adherence and infection risk.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the adhesion of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MRSP) to stainless steel (SS) and tantalum (TA) canine limb salvage endoprosthesis implants.
  • To evaluate the in vitro bacterial adherence on different implant materials used in veterinary orthopedic surgery.

Main Methods:

  • An in vitro experimental study design was employed.
  • MRSP bacterial adhesion was quantified on SS and TA endoprosthesis samples.
  • Median log10 colony forming units per milliliter (CFU/mL) were calculated for adherent MRSP.

Main Results:

  • Higher median log10 CFU/mL of MRSP adhered to TA endoprostheses (4.96) compared to SS endoprostheses (4.31).
  • The difference in bacterial adhesion between TA and SS implants was statistically significant (P = 0.009).
  • TA endoprostheses exhibited greater MRSP adherence in this in vitro model.

Conclusions:

  • While tantalum endoprostheses offer mechanical advantages, their increased bacterial adherence may pose a higher risk for post-operative infections.
  • Further research is warranted to mitigate MRSP adhesion on TA implants in veterinary limb salvage procedures.
  • Material selection and surface modification strategies should consider bacterial adhesion properties to minimize infection risk.