Effect of slime production on the antibiotic susceptibility of isolates from prosthetic infections

• Published in: Journal of chemotherapy (Florence) Vol. 1; no. 6; p. 369
• Main Authors: Selan, L, Thaller, M C, Berlutti, F, Passariello, C, Scazzocchio, F, Renzini, G
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England 01-12-1989
• Subjects: Anti-Bacterial Agents - pharmacology; Bacteria - drug effects; Bacteria - metabolism; Bacterial Infections - drug therapy; Bacterial Infections - metabolism; Catheters, Indwelling; Cell Membrane - metabolism; Microbial Sensitivity Tests - methods; Prostheses and Implants
• ISSN: 1120-009X
• DOI: 10.1080/1120009X.1989.11738925

The antibacterial activity of 6 antibiotics towards 10 gram-positive and 6 gram-negative glycocalyx-producing strains, has been evaluated by employing a method which partially simulates the in vivo colonization of prosthetic devices. The results showed that routine antibiotic sensitivity tests are not predictive about the response of the glycocalyx-embedded bacteria, and that prophylaxis may be useful with ofloxacin and clindamycin, before placing a prosthetic device. Once bacterial colonization had already occurred, however, none of the tested antibiotics was able to eradicate the sessile bacterial form. The minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values, indeed, were much higher than those determined on the planktonic form, and were much higher than serum and tissue levels that can be reached in vivo.