The Effect of Slime Factor in the Treatment of Spinal Implant Infections.

AIM: To investigate the effect of the biofilm-forming ability of the bacteria on treatment in rats by using biofilm-forming and nonbiofilm- forming strains of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty rats were divided into four equal groups as Group 1A, 1B, 2A, and 2B. All rats underwent single distance lumbar laminectomy, and titanium implants were introduced. Group 1 rats were inoculated with Slime factor (-) S. aureus, while Group 2 rats were inoculated with biofilm Slime factor (+) S. aureus. None of the rats were given antibiotics. One week later, the surgical field was reopened and microbiological samples were taken. The implants of rats in Groups 1A and 2A were left in place, while the implants of rats in Groups 1B and 2B were removed. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between the groups inoculated with slime factor (+) S. aureus; although, Groups 1A and 2A showed statistically significant difference. Statistical analysis with respect to bacterial count also showed a statistically significant difference between Groups 1A and 2A. There was a statistically significant difference between Group 1B and 2B. CONCLUSION: The results obtained in the present study reveal that in case of implant-dependent infection, the first sample taken can be checked for slime factor, and if there is infection with slime factor-negative bacterium, treatment without removing the implant may be recommended. S. aureus was used in the study because it is the most common cause of implant-related infection at surgical sites. Further studies using different bacterial species are needed to reach a definitive conclusion.

Investigation of the presence of Capnophilic bacteria in routine urine cultures.

Capnophilic Escherichia coli (CEC) strains are rarely isolated from urinary tract infections (UTIs). The purpose of this research was to look into the incidence and traits of the CEC strains that cause UTIs. Nine (0.11%) epidemiologically unrelated CEC isolates with varying antibiotic susceptibility patterns were identified from patients with various co-morbidities after the evaluation of 8500 urine samples. Three of these strains belonged to the O25b-ST131 clone, and none of them possessed the yadF gene. Due to adverse incubation conditions, CEC isolation is difficult. Although rare, capnophilic incubation of urine cultures may be considered particularly for patients with underlying predisposing conditions.