Abstract
This communication reports preliminary data towards the development of a live ex vivo model of persistent infection that is based on the chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM), which can be used for pre-screening biomaterials with antimicrobial properties for their antimicrobial and angiogenic potential. Our results showed that it was possible to infect chicken embryos with Staphylococcus aureus, one of the main types of bacteria found in the persistent infection associated with chronic wounds, and maintain the embryos’ survival for up to 48 h. Survival of the embryos varied with the dose of bacteria inoculum and with the use and time of streptomycin application after infection. In infected yet viable embryos, the blood vessels network of the CAM was maintained with minimal disruption. Microbiological tests could confirm embryo infection, but quantification was difficult. By publishing these preliminary results, we hope that not only our group but others within the scientific community further this research towards the establishment of biomimetic and reproducible ex vivo models of persistent infection.
Highlights
Chronic wounds are described as severe non-healing wounds that constitute a significant burden to healthcare systems [1]
We used Staphylococcus aureus, one of the main types of bacteria found in the persistent infection associated with chronic wounds [11], and antibiotics to maintain and/or enhance embryo survival
The main conclusions from this study are (1) it was possible to infect chicken embryos with S. aureus, one of the main types of bacteria found in the persistent infection associated with chronic wounds, and maintain the embryos’ survival for up to 48 h; (2) survival of the embryos varied with the dose of bacteria inoculum and with the use and time of application after infection of an antibiotic; (3) in infected yet viable embryos, the blood vessels network of the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) was maintained with minimal disruption; and (4) microbiological tests can confirm infection of the embryo, but quantification is difficult
Summary
Chronic wounds are described as severe non-healing wounds that constitute a significant burden to healthcare systems [1]. According to a retrospective health economics study, in the U.K. the National Health System (NHS) treated 2.2 million wounds in the year 2012/2013, with an estimated cost of GBP 5 billion. In the USA, about 6.5 million patients are affected by chronic wounds and an estimated USD 25 billion is spent annually on treating these wounds [1]. These figures will rise with an ageing population and the increasing prevalence of long-term conditions such as diabetes [1]. Tissue engineering is a rapidly progressing field that offers exciting potential to find new and regenerative treatments for chronic wounds
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