The role of bacterial-laden biofilms in infections of maxillofacial biomaterials.
Biomaterials from 11 consecutive patients with persistent infections refractory to antimicrobial therapy and local wound care were surgically removed and studied by scanning electron microscopy for the presence of bacterial-laden biofilms. Unlike previously reported biomaterial infections involving other regions of the body, infections in this study were not associated with a conspicuous bacterial-laden biofilm. Instead, adherent light bacterial colonization without a biofilm layer was noted. The only specimen that was suggestive of a bacterial-laden biofilm was in a patient who suffered from a chronic infection. Consistent with previous reports, bacterial colonization was frequently polymicrobial. Observations made in this study suggest that bacterial adherence may not require an obvious biofilm layer.
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio 78284-7908.
G J
GJ
Nishioka
J K
JK
Jones
R G
RG
Triplett
T B
TB
Aufdemorte
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001419:Bacteria / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D001422:Bacterial Adhesion; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000188:drug therapy; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D001860:Bone Plates; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003757:Dental Implantation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D013499:Surface Properties
D001672:Biocompatible Materials