TITLE:
In Vitro Mitigation of Pathogenic Bacteria and Virulence Factors Using a Hydroconductive Dressing
AUTHORS:
Lauren T. Moffatt, Rachel T. Ortiz, Bonnie C. Carney, Rachael M. Bullock, Martin C. Robson, Marion H. Jordan, Jeffrey W. Shupp
KEYWORDS:
Infection; MRSA; Virulence Factors; Dressing
JOURNAL NAME:
Surgical Science,
Vol.4 No.11,
November
26,
2013
ABSTRACT:
Wound infections can have devastating effects on healing as well as
the health of the patient. Complications increase when the pathogens are
capable of producing virulence factors and/or are drug resistant. Novel methods
are needed to take on the challenges of treating such wounds. Drawtex®dressing is purported to have hydroconductive properties that allow it to draw away
debris and exudate from the wound into the dressing. The goal of this work is
to better define these interactions of this experimental dressing with bacteria
and virulence factors. Two series of in
vitro experiments were performed. First, pieces of experimental dressing
were submerged in a series of cultures in flasks and samples of the dressing
and cultures were taken over 90 minutes and assayed for bacteria and virulence
factor levels. Second, experimental or standard care (control) dressings were
placed on selective agar plated with pathogens of interest. Dressings and the
agar covered by them were used to quantify bacteria and virulence factors over time. The
experimental dressing took up both bacteria and virulence factors to a larger
extent than the control dressing. Experimental dressing significantly reduced
the load of bacteria and virulence factors in cultures compared to control
culture without dressing. Based on the ability of the dressing to
take up bacteria and virulence factors in this study, the data point to
the potential for this dressing to be similarly effective in reducing or eliminating
pathogen from wounds, potentially increasing the chances of successful
wound healing.