Bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, the 'superbug' behind MRSA, can be a major problem for patients who have a medical implant, such as a replacement heart valve or pacemaker. Bacteria are able to form colonies called biofilms on the implanted device, which can lead to wider infections such as endocarditis, a bacterial infection of the heart.  Â
Â
Research led by scientists in the Department of Biology at the University of York has shed new light on how these biofilm structures are formed. Biofilms help the bacteria within to avoid attack from the immune system and antibiotics. Often the only way to tackle the resulting infection is to remove the affected device, which can be a difficult and invasive process.
The team from the University of York, led by professor Jennifer Potts, included British Heart Foundation-funded PhD student Dominika Gruszka. They found that the bacteria release long, thin protein chains to connect with other bacteria or mesh with other bacterial products. The chains have a highly unusual repetitive structure which could not have been predicted and provides important clues to how they might work.
A similar protein is found on the surface of Staphylococcus epidermidis, another bacterium commonly found in device infections.
Potts, a BHF senior research fellow, says, This discovery provides an important step forward in understanding how biofilms form. It should help in the development of new ways of preventing infection of cardiac devices by these bacteria.
Dr. Hélène Wilson, research advisor at the British Heart Foundation, which co-funded the study, notes, "These clusters of bacteria on implanted devices can be a problem for heart patients because they are very difficult to treat with antibiotics. Often the only way to tackle the infection is to remove the affected device, which can be a difficult and invasive process and lead to further complications. This discovery is an important step toward improving our understanding of how these biofilms are structured, which could help lead to new treatments or new ways to prevent them forming."
An Infection Preventionist Considers Why Manufacturers Need to Update IFUs
July 11th 2024Katharine J. Hoffman, MPH, CIC, LSSGB: It’s time to take the devil out of the details in interpreting and successfully following manufacturers' instructions for use; why do manufacturers need to update IFUs?
New ANSI/AAMI Standard Transforms Ethylene Oxide Sterilization in Health Care
July 8th 2024The updated ANSI/AAMI ST24 standard outlines requirements for ethylene oxide sterilizers in health care, addressing advancements, regulatory changes, and new technology to enhance sterilization practices and safety.
The Value of Certification in Infection Prevention and Control: Why Is it important?
May 14th 2024Certification in infection prevention and control is essential for career growth, higher salaries, and improved patient outcomes. Learn why certification matters from Shazia Irum, MSC, MBA, RN, CIC, CPHQ, CBIC Ambassador in Saudi Arabia.