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Updated: May 11, 2026
PRP as a New Approach to Prevent Infection: Preparation and In vitro Antimicrobial Properties of PRP
Published on: April 9, 2013
Platelet-rich plasma as a potential antimicrobial agent against multidrug-resistant bacteria in diabetic foot
Engy Aboelsaad1, Sameh Moustafa2, Amira Amine3
1Department of Microbiology, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, El-Horreya Road 165, Alexandria, 21561, Egypt. hiph.eaboelsaad@alexu.edu.eg.
Abstract:
Diabetes mellitus is a global public health concern, with diabetic foot infections (DFIs) being common clinical complications among affected patients. Bacterial isolates resistant to commonly used antimicrobial drugs are becoming more prevalent in DFIs. Some research suggests that platelet-rich plasma (PRP) may inhibit bacterial growth, making it a promising biological therapy. Therefore, an in vitro experimental study was conducted on 53 multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial strains isolated from DFIs. The isolates were methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), MDR Klebsiella pneumoniae, and MDR Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The antibacterial activity of PRP was assessed using Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method, broth microdilution method, checkerboard synergy testing, and time-kill assay. The time-kill assay demonstrated that PRP's antibacterial efficacy peaked during the second hour of incubation for MRSA and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, but peaked at the first hour for Klebsiella pneumoniae. However, the PPR's efficiency against all isolates decreased after the peak point, with no antibacterial activity observed at the 24th h of incubation. Additionally, biofilm inhibition and eradication assays revealed that PRP has no effect on biofilm formation. As a result, PRP has the ability to inhibit bacterial growth, although this effect is transient and depends on the bacterial strain.
Insights
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) shows transient antibacterial activity against multidrug-resistant bacteria from diabetic foot infections (DFIs). Its effectiveness varies by bacterial strain and diminishes over time, with no impact on biofilms.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Diabetic foot infections (DFIs) are a significant global health issue, often complicated by multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial strains.
- The increasing prevalence of antimicrobial resistance in DFIs necessitates novel therapeutic strategies.
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has emerged as a potential biological therapy due to its suggested antimicrobial properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vitro antibacterial activity of PRP against MDR bacterial isolates from DFIs.
- To evaluate the efficacy of PRP against specific MDR pathogens: methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
- To assess the impact of PRP on bacterial biofilm formation and eradication.
Main Methods:
- An in vitro study involving 53 MDR bacterial strains isolated from DFIs.
- Antibacterial activity assessed using Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion, broth microdilution, checkerboard synergy testing, and time-kill assays.
- Biofilm inhibition and eradication assays were performed.
Main Results:
- PRP demonstrated transient antibacterial activity against MRSA, MDR Klebsiella pneumoniae, and MDR Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
- The peak antibacterial efficacy of PRP occurred within the first or second hour of incubation, depending on the bacterial species.
- PRP exhibited no significant effect on bacterial biofilm formation or eradication.
- Antibacterial activity waned significantly by 24 hours of incubation.
Conclusions:
- PRP possesses a limited, strain-dependent, and transient inhibitory effect on the growth of MDR bacteria commonly found in DFIs.
- PRP is not effective against bacterial biofilm formation in the context of DFIs.
- Further research is needed to explore the potential and limitations of PRP as an adjunct therapy for DFIs.
