Abstract
Background: Implant-associated infections are still a major complication in the field of orthopedics. Bacteria can form biofilms on implant surfaces, making them more difficult to detect and treat. Since standard antibiotic therapy is often impaired in biofilm infections, particular interest is directed towards finding treatment alternatives. Biofilm-formation is a well-organized process during which bacteria communicate via quorum-sensing molecules (QSM). The aim of this study was to inhibit bacterial communication by directing avian IgY against specific QSM. Methods: Chicken were immunized against the following QSM: (1) AtlE, a member of the autolysin family which mediates attachment to a surface in Staphylococcus epidermidis; (2) GroEL, the bacterial heat shock protein; (3) PIA (polysaccharide intercellular adhesion), which is essential for cell–cell adhesion in biofilms. Staphylococcus epidermidis biofilms were grown and inhibition of biofilm-formation by IgYs was evaluated. Additionally, human osteoblasts were cultivated and biocompatibility of IgYs was tested. Results: We were able to demonstrate that all IgYs reduced biofilm-formation, also without prior immunization. Therefore, the response was probably not specific with regard to the QSM. Osteoblasts were activated by all IgYs which was demonstrated by microscopy and an increased release of IL-8. Conclusions: In conclusion, avian IgY inhibits biofilm-formation, though the underlying mechanism is not yet clear. However, adverse effects on local tissue cells (osteoblasts) were also observed.
Highlights
Implant-associated infections are still one of the most severe complications in the field of orthopedic surgery
Osteoblasts were activated by IgYs which resulted in an enhanced release of IL-8 into the supernatant
Once bacteria attaches to an implant surface they form a biofilm colony, which makes them options in these cases
Summary
Implant-associated infections are still one of the most severe complications in the field of orthopedic surgery. Patients often require multiple revision surgeries and suffer from a prolonged course of treatment ([1], reviewed in [2,3,4]) These infections are difficult to diagnose and to treat, because bacteria attach to the implant surface and embed themselves in a slimy matrix, the so-called extracellular polymeric substance. By doing so, they form a biofilm-colony [5,6]. Biofilms have been investigated extensively, initially with regard to industrial water-based processes such as water distribution or the operation of paper mills or cooling towers Damages caused by these bacterial colonies are referred to as “biofouling” and amount to billions of dollars per year [7]. Methods: Chicken were immunized against the following QSM: (1) AtlE, a member of the autolysin family which mediates attachment to a surface in Staphylococcus epidermidis; (2) GroEL, the bacterial heat shock protein;
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