In vitro bacteriological effect of tri-beveled needle electrolysis against Staphylococcus aureus.

Area of Science:

• Medical Devices
• Infectious Diseases
• Bacteriology

Background:

• Percutaneous needle electrolysis (PNE) shows clinical promise for recurrent bacterial infections in mammary fistulas.
• The precise bactericidal mechanism of PNE in this context remains largely theoretical.
• This study investigates the in vitro efficacy of PNE against Staphylococcus aureus.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the bactericidal effect of a specific PNE protocol (5 mA for 25 s) against Staphylococcus aureus.
• To determine if variations in needle gauge, current intensity, or total dosage alter the bactericidal efficacy.
• To provide evidence-based insights into optimizing PNE for treating bacterial infections.

Main Methods:

• Staphylococcus aureus cultures were prepared in saline solution at a concentration of 9 Log10 CFU/mL.
• Three experimental groups were established: the main protocol, and variations in needle gauge, current intensity, and total dosage.
• Viable cell counts were assessed after 24 hours to quantify bacterial reduction compared to a control group.

Main Results:

• The established PNE protocol achieved an average reduction of 5 Log10 CFU/mL of Staphylococcus aureus compared to controls.
• Modifications in needle gauge did not significantly impact the bactericidal effect.
• Increasing current intensity or total dosage demonstrably enhanced the bactericidal effect, while substantial reductions diminished it.

Conclusions:

• Percutaneous needle electrolysis demonstrates significant in vitro bactericidal activity against Staphylococcus aureus.
• The efficacy of PNE is sensitive to adjustments in current intensity and total dosage, suggesting a dose-dependent relationship.
• Optimizing PNE parameters, particularly current intensity and dosage, may improve its effectiveness in managing mammary fistula infections.