Evaluación in vitro de la actividad antibacteriana de diversas suturas quirúrgicas provistas de clorhexidina frente a triclosán

Introduction: The use of surgical sutures and other implantable devices with antimicrobial properties may represent a clinically relevant strategy to reduce the development of postoperative infections. To determine the performance of several commercially available antimicrobial sutures coated with the antiseptics triclosan (Vicryl Plus, Monocryl Plus, PDS Plus) or chlorhexidine (Assufil Plus, Monofil Plus, Assufil Mono Plus), an in vitro model of bacterial infection was utilized. Methods: Sterile fragments (1 cm length, 2-0 caliber) of the experimental and control sutures (same material, without antiseptic) were inoculated with 106 CFU/mL of Staphylococcus aureus (methicillin sensitive/resistant), Staphylococcus epidermidis, (non-biofilm developer/biofilm developer) and Escherichia coli. Over a study period of 24-72 hours, the capacity of these devices to develop inhibition zones (agar diffusion test), impair microbial growth in culture (turbidity) and hinder bacterial adhesion to their surface (sonication, scanning electron microscopy) was assessed. Results: While the control sutures were strongly contaminated, all the chlorhexidine- and triclosan-coated sutures developed stable inhibition zones on the agar plates. Likewise, the presence of these devices hindered microbial growth in culture and fully avoided bacterial adhesion to their surface. Conclusion: The performance of the antimicrobial sutures containing chlorhexidine or triclosan was adequate under in vitro conditions. Both antiseptics hindered bacterial adhesion to the suture materials.