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Biosensor for Detection of Antibiotic Resistant Staphylococcus Bacteria
14:04

Biosensor for Detection of Antibiotic Resistant Staphylococcus Bacteria

Published on: May 8, 2013

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A fluorogenic micrococcal nuclease-based probe for fast detection and optical imaging of Staphylococcus aureus in

Jorrit W A Schoenmakers1,2, Marina López-Álvarez1, Frank F A IJpma3

  • 1Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), Hanzeplein 1, 9700RB, Groningen, The Netherlands.

European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging
|November 14, 2023
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

A novel DNA-based probe, AttoPolyT, rapidly detects Staphylococcus aureus infections in joint fluid and biofilms. This smart-activatable probe offers a fast and accurate diagnostic tool for periprosthetic joint infections and fracture-related infections.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Biotechnology

Background:

  • Staphylococcus aureus is a leading cause of multidrug-resistant infections, particularly in periprosthetic joint infections (PJI) and fracture-related infections (FRI).
  • Current diagnostic methods for S. aureus can be time-consuming, delaying appropriate treatment for these serious conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of a novel 'smart-activatable' DNA-based probe, AttoPolyT, for the rapid detection of S. aureus.
  • To assess the probe's utility in identifying S. aureus in synovial fluids and biofilms on osteosynthesis materials.

Main Methods:

  • The AttoPolyT probe was used to detect micrococcal nuclease activity, an enzyme secreted by S. aureus, in synovial fluid samples and biofilms.
  • Fluorescence imaging was employed to visualize S. aureus-specific signals, with comparisons made to other bacterial pathogens and non-infected samples.
  • A vancomycin-IRDye800CW conjugate (vanco-800CW) was used to identify Gram-positive bacteria in biofilms.

Main Results:

  • The AttoPolyT probe demonstrated significantly higher fluorescence in S. aureus-positive samples compared to other bacterial pathogens and non-infected samples.
  • Diagnosis of S. aureus-associated PJI was achieved within 2 hours using synovial fluid analysis.
  • S. aureus biofilms on osteosynthesis materials were accurately imaged within 15 minutes, distinguishing them from other Gram-positive bacterial biofilms.

Conclusions:

  • The AttoPolyT probe shows significant potential for the rapid and accurate detection of S. aureus infections.
  • This technology could expedite the diagnosis of PJI and FRI, leading to improved patient outcomes.
  • The probe's ability to differentiate S. aureus in biofilms is crucial for managing implant-associated infections.
Keywords:
Staphylococcus aureusFracture-related infectionInfection imagingMicrococcal nucleaseOptical probeOrthopedic infectionPeriprosthetic joint infection

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