In vivo efficacy of antimicrobial-coated devices

J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2007 Apr;89(4):792-7. doi: 10.2106/JBJS.F.00414.

Abstract

Background: Since device colonization is a prelude to infection, an antimicrobial-coated device that reduces bacterial colonization can potentially protect against infection. The objective of this animal study was to assess the efficacy of a coating with minocycline and rifampin to prevent colonization of a grit-blasted titanium implant and subsequent osteomyelitis.

Methods: Twenty-five rabbits underwent implantation of a titanium-alloy pin, either coated with minocycline and rifampin (thirteen rabbits) or uncoated (twelve rabbits), into the right femoral medullary canal. The implanted devices were inoculated with 500 CFU (colony-forming units) of Staphylococcus aureus prior to wound closure. The rabbits were killed one week later, and the removed device, femoral bone, a specimen obtained by swabbing the track surrounding the device, and blood were cultured. The rates of device colonization, osteomyelitis, and device-related osteomyelitis were compared between the two groups of rabbits.

Results: The antimicrobial-coated devices had a significantly lower rate of colonization than the uncoated devices (five of thirteen compared with twelve of twelve, p = 0.0016) and were associated with significantly lower rates of osteomyelitis (six of thirteen compared with twelve of twelve, p = 0.005) and device-related osteomyelitis (five of thirteen compared with twelve of twelve, p = 0.0016). Bacteremia did not develop in any rabbit.

Conclusions: Orthopaedic devices coated with minocycline and rifampin significantly protected against device colonization and infection due to Staphylococcus aureus in this in vivo rabbit model.

Clinical relevance: It is possible that orthopaedic devices coated with this unique combination of antimicrobial agents may protect against the development of clinical infection in humans.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Infective Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Drug Delivery Systems*
  • Minocycline / administration & dosage*
  • Osteomyelitis / prevention & control*
  • Prosthesis-Related Infections / prevention & control*
  • Rabbits
  • Rifampin / administration & dosage*
  • Staphylococcal Infections / prevention & control*

Substances

  • Anti-Infective Agents
  • Minocycline
  • Rifampin