Bacteria and Bone Cells: A Study on Biomaterial Infections
Author Information
Author(s): Subbiahdoss Guruprakash, Saldarriaga Fernández Isabel C., da Silva Domingues Joana F., Kuijer Roel van der Mei, Henny C. Busscher
Primary Institution: University Medical Center Groningen
Hypothesis
How do different bacterial strains interact with osteoblast-like cells and macrophages on biomaterial surfaces?
Conclusion
The study found that highly virulent bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa can cause cell death in osteoblast-like cells, even in the presence of macrophages.
Supporting Evidence
- Highly virulent bacteria can cause osteoblast-like cell death within 18 hours.
- Macrophages do not prevent cell death caused by S. aureus and P. aeruginosa.
- S. epidermidis did not cause cell death even after 48 hours.
Takeaway
This study shows that some bacteria can outcompete bone cells for space on implants, which can lead to infections.
Methodology
The study used an in vitro model to observe the competition between bacteria and U2OS cells on a PMMA surface, with and without macrophages.
Limitations
The study used an immortalized cell line, which may not fully represent in vivo behavior.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.01
Statistical Significance
p<0.01
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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