The effect of commonly used sutures on inflammation inducing pathogens - an in vitro study

Abstract

Introduction: Sutures are a vital part of nearly every surgical procedure designed to close and stabilize wound margins consequently allowing undisturbed wound healing.

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate in vitro antimicrobial effect of 4 commonly used sutures.

Materials and methods: The Direct Contact Test was used to evaluate the antibacterial properties of 4 types of sutures: 2 absorbable and 2 non-absorbable braided sutures, immediately or after aging for 2 or 7 days. The tested bacteria were: Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Three-way ANOVA, two-way ANOVA, one-way ANOVA and Tukey multiple comparison were used for statistical analysis.

Results: The absorbable Vicryl Plus exhibited a bactericidal effect against the Staphylococcus strains, which was unaffected by aging. With P. aeruginosa, there was only an initial delay in bacterial growth. All other tested sutures did not have antibacterial effects against any of the tested bacteria (p < 0.001).

Conclusions: Vicryl Plus had sustained bactericidal effect against the Staphylococcus strains but not against P. aeruginosa. None of the other sutures presented any antibacterial properties.

Keywords: Absorbable sutures; Antibacterial; Non-absorbable braided sutures; Triclosan.