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Published on: June 4, 2012
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).
Abstract:
The objective of our study was to compare adhesion of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MRSP) to stainless steel (SS) and to tantalum (TA) canine limb salvage endoprosthesis implants in an in vitro experimental study. The median of the mean log10 colony forming units/mL for adherent MRSP was 4.96 (range: 4.63 to 6.33) for the TA endoprosthesis and 4.31 (range: 3.86 to 5.05) for the SS endoprosthesis (P = 0.009). Although the trabecular and porous design of the TA endoprosthesis provides mechanical benefits over the SS endoprosthesis, it may increase the risk of developing infection due to higher levels of bacterial adherence.
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.

