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A Novel Polysaccharide Derivative to Enhance Wound Healing in MRSA-infected Porcine Partial-thickness Burn Wound Model
Egro FM, Repko A, Kim D, Ejaz A, Schusterman MA, Ayyash A, Baker S, Ziembicki JA, Marra K, Rubin JP
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
2019-02-13
Presenter: Francesco M. Egro MBChB, MSc, MRCS
Affidavit:
I certify that the material proposed for presentation in this abstract has not been published in any scientific journal or previously presented at a major meeting.
Director Name: Vu T. Nguyen
Author Category: Resident Plastic Surgery
Presentation Category: Basic Science Research
Abstract Category: General Reconstruction
Background: MRSA is a common source of infection in burn wounds. SYN01 is a novel non-toxic, polycationic polysaccharide which disrupts biofilms and prevents bacterial colonization in vitro. The aim of this study was to investigate the therapeutic potential of SYN01 in MRSA-infected porcine partial-thickness wounds (PTBWs).
Methods: A total of 4x4cm 30 PTBWs were created on two female Yorkshire pigs and were infected with approximately 108 CFU of MRSA (ATCC® BAA-1717™) on Day 2. Wounds were given 3 days for infection to develop. Starting post-burn day 5, each wound was assigned to one of three treatment groups (n=10 each): no treatment, silvadene (silver sulfadiazine, standard of care), SYN01 rinse and gel. Dressing changes were performed 3 times a week and punch biopsies were taken at each dressing change for bacterial counts using blood-agar plates. Pigs were sacrificed on post-burn day 28. Measured outcomes included percentage of wound closure, bacterial counts and histology.
Results: SYN01 topical application led to a statistically significant wound healing time improvement in MRSA-infected partial thickness burn wounds compared to silvadene treatment and no treatment, as early as day 5. Application of SYN01 reduced the bacterial count however no statistical significance was reached. Histological wound examination of POD28 demonstrates that wounds treated with SYN01 have healed markedly and are comparable to the healing quality of non-infected burn wounds.
Conclusions: SYN01 significantly enhances wound healing in MRSA-infected PTBWs and leads to optimal histological morphology.
