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The antimicrobial effect of Thromboseel against multidrugresistant and drug-sensitive organisms: An in vitro study

J Kotze, J Rademan, K-A Strydom

Abstract


Background. The role of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is widely recognised in the field of medicine. Recent in vitro studies indicate the antimicrobial effect of PRP and its bactericidal activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms. One major issue that surgeons currently face is the rise of multidrug-resistant organisms responsible for the colonisation and subsequent infection of these wounds. The increased use of PRP in various surgical fields warrants a better understanding of its direct effects on wound healing, and its added beneficial effects such as antimicrobial action.

Objective. To assess the in vitro antimicrobial effect of Thromboseel against drug-sensitive and multidrug-resistant organisms.

Methods. In this in vitro study, susceptibility testing of Thromboseel was performed using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. Agar plates were lawned with eight different Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria representing the most common pathogens isolated from wound infections. Baseline antimicrobial activity was assessed by measuring the zones of inhibition following 24 hours and 48 hours of incubation. As no breakpoints exist for Thromboseel, any zone of inhibition was deemed positive for antibacterial activity. Pathogen combinations selected for evaluation in this report were chosen on the basis of their greater frequency, higher degree of clinical importance and consideration of emerging antimicrobial resistance.

Results. After 24 and 48 hours of incubation, no zone of inhibition was measurable on any of the plates.

Conclusion. The product Thromboseel demonstrated no in vitro antimicrobial effect against the organisms tested in this study. From our findings and from what is evident in the literature, we postulated that the lyophilisation and freezing of platelets alter the structure and function of the platelet in such a manner that the antimicrobial effect is diminished. The role of fresh PRP as an antimicrobial medium may still be clinically relevant in the field of surgery, and may play a pivotal role in the outcome of surgical site infections, chronic wound healing and the healing of burn wounds.


Authors' affiliations

J Kotze, Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Burns Surgery, Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe Hospital, Kimberley, South Africa

J Rademan, Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Burns Surgery, Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe Hospital, Kimberley, South Africa

K-A Strydom, Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Pretoria, and National Health Laboratory Service, Pretoria, South Africa

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Cite this article

South African Journal of Plastic & Reconstructive Aesthetic Surgery & Burns 2021;4(2):35. DOI:10.7196/sajprasb.1464

Article History

Date submitted: 2022-02-01
Date published: 2022-02-01

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