A novel strategy for eradication of staphylococcal biofilms using blood clots.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Infections with coagulase negative staphylococcal species (CoNS) are a major cause of mortality and morbidity in joint and heart valve replacement procedures, largely due to biofilm formation. Cells within biofilms have higher rates of antibiotic resistance than their planktonic counterparts; consequently, novel mechanisms are needed to combat these infections. METHODS: To enhance antibiotic delivery and penetration, this innovative study involved treating CoNS biofilms with murine blood clots impregnated with antibiotics. We then investigated the impact of this treatment on biofilm density, metabolism, and architecture. RESULTS: Our pilot study demonstrates that this method of antibiotic delivery results in improved biofilm clearance, relative to conventional exposure methods. DISCUSSION: Our results demonstrate that blood clot exposure has an intrinsic impact on biofilm density and potentially reduces colonization, warrenting further investigation into the mechanism.