Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 12, 2025
Novel Diagnostics in Revision Arthroplasty: Implant Sonication and Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction
Published on: December 3, 2017
Pathogenic characteristics of Staphylococcus aureus isolates from arthroplasty infections
Peng Chen1, Fengjun Sun2, Wei Feng2
1Department of Orthopaedics, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang, Guizhou Province, China.
Background:
Staphylococcus aureus has a great ability to form biofilms on implant-related biomaterials. This study aimed to investigate the resistance, biofilm and molecular characteristics of S. aureus strains isolated from patients with postoperative infections after arthroplasty in two Chinese tertiary care hospitals during 2017 to 2018.
Methods:
Antimicrobial susceptibility was determined by the agar dilution method. Bacterial biofilm formation was determined by crystal violet staining. The genes related to biofilm formation and molecular typing were analyzed by PCR amplification.
Results:
A total of 33 isolates were collected, 21 of which were from Henan. The strains were completely sensitive to vancomycin, linezolid, and nitrofurantoin. All the isolates had adhesion ability and could produce biofilms. Of the isolates, 75.0% from Chongqing and 85.7% from Henan had stronger biofilm formation abilities. The strains from Henan had slightly higher resistance, adhesion and biofilm-forming abilities than those from Chongqing. The strains in both hospitals carried at least two genes related to biofilm formation, and the ica and fnb genes were the most frequently detected genes. Three SCCmec types and seven sequence types (STs) were found in Henan, and two SCCmec types and six STs were found in Chongqing. ST239-SCCmec III was the main epidemic clone in the two hospitals.
Conclusion:
The resistance phenotype and molecular characteristics of S. aureus strains varied in different hospitals. The results reflect the potential risks of S. aureus infection in postoperative arthroplasty patients. Our study provides a powerful basis for the clinical treatment, infection control and monitoring of outbreaks of epidemic strains.
Insights
Staphylococcus aureus strains from arthroplasty infections show significant biofilm formation and varied resistance. ST239-SCCmec III was the dominant clone, highlighting risks for patients and guiding infection control.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Biomaterials Science
Background:
- Staphylococcus aureus readily forms biofilms on biomaterials used in implants.
- Postoperative infections after arthroplasty pose a significant clinical challenge.
- Understanding S. aureus characteristics is crucial for managing implant-associated infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate antimicrobial resistance, biofilm formation, and molecular features of S. aureus strains.
- To analyze S. aureus isolates from arthroplasty patients in two Chinese hospitals.
- To identify epidemic clones and their characteristics.
Main Methods:
- Antimicrobial susceptibility testing using agar dilution.
- Biofilm formation assessment via crystal violet staining.
- Gene analysis for biofilm formation and molecular typing using PCR.
Main Results:
- All 33 S. aureus isolates exhibited adhesion and biofilm production.
- Strains from Henan showed higher resistance and biofilm formation than those from Chongqing.
- The ica and fnb genes were prevalent; ST239-SCCmec III was the main epidemic clone.
Conclusions:
- S. aureus resistance and molecular profiles differ between hospitals.
- Findings underscore the risk of S. aureus in postoperative arthroplasty infections.
- Results support clinical treatment, infection control, and outbreak monitoring strategies.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Healthcare Associated Infections I: Iatrogenic, Exogenic and Endogenic
HAIs significantly increase the cost of health care. Extended stays in healthcare institutions, increased disability, increased costs of medications, including specialized antibiotics, and prolonged recovery times add to the patient's expenses and the healthcare institution and funding bodies.
01:31Defense Against Bacterial Pathogens
Phagocytes
Phagocytes are the frontline soldiers of the immune system. They include neutrophils and macrophages. Neutrophils are the most abundant type of white blood cell and are quickly mobilized to the site of infection. Macrophages are larger cells that patrol...