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The effect of protein binding on the adherence of staphylococci to prosthetic vascular grafts
M A Malangoni1, D H Livingston, J C Peyton
1Department of Surgery, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106.
Abstract:
Staphylococcus epidermidis is the major bacterium causing prosthetic vascular graft infections and the ability of some S. epidermidis strains to produce slime is associated with pathogenicity. This study investigated the effect of protein binding of staphylococci as a possible mechanism affecting bacterial adherence to vascular graft materials. Slime- and non-slime-producing S. epidermidis strains and an encapsulated Staphylococcus aureus were incubated with Dacron or expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). The slime-producing RP-62A strain had significantly greater adherence to all materials than the other bacteria tested and coincubation with serum did not affect its adherence. The adherence of all bacteria was greater to Dacron than to PTFE. Serum increased the adherence of S. aureus to PTFE (P < 0.05) but did not significantly alter the bacterial adherence to other materials. This suggests that protein binding does not affect the adherence of S. epidermidis to prosthetic vascular grafts.
Insights
Slime-producing Staphylococcus epidermidis adheres more to vascular graft materials than other bacteria. Protein binding does not appear to influence this adherence, suggesting other factors are key in prosthetic vascular graft infections.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Staphylococcus epidermidis is a primary cause of prosthetic vascular graft infections.
- Bacterial slime production is linked to the pathogenicity of S. epidermidis.
- Understanding bacterial adherence mechanisms is crucial for preventing graft infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of protein binding in staphylococcal adherence to vascular graft materials.
- To compare the adherence of slime-producing and non-slime-producing S. epidermidis strains.
- To evaluate the influence of serum on bacterial adherence to Dacron and PTFE grafts.
Main Methods:
- Incubation of S. epidermidis (slime- and non-slime-producing) and Staphylococcus aureus with Dacron and expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) grafts.
- Assessment of bacterial adherence to graft materials with and without serum.
- Statistical analysis to determine significant differences in adherence.
Main Results:
- Slime-producing S. epidermidis (RP-62A) showed significantly higher adherence to all tested materials compared to other strains.
- Bacterial adherence was consistently greater on Dacron than on PTFE grafts.
- Serum presence increased S. aureus adherence to PTFE but did not significantly affect other bacterial-material interactions.
Conclusions:
- Protein binding does not appear to be a significant factor in the adherence of S. epidermidis to prosthetic vascular grafts.
- Slime production is a critical factor in S. epidermidis adherence to vascular graft materials.
- Graft material type (Dacron vs. PTFE) influences bacterial adherence.