Combined efficacy of clarithromycin plus cefazolin or vancomycin against Staphylococcus aureus biofilms formed on titanium medical devices

Int J Antimicrob Agents. 2008 Dec;32(6):481-4. doi: 10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2008.06.030. Epub 2008 Sep 14.

Abstract

In this study, we investigated the in vitro efficacy of clarithromycin (CLA) combined with cefazolin (CFZ) or vancomycin (VCM) against Staphylococcus aureus biofilms formed on titanium devices in order to confirm the efficacy of eradication therapies against device-related infection. The distribution of CLA in muscle tissue surrounding bone was also investigated by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry in 10 orthopaedic patients. Biofilm formation and eradication of S. aureus were monitored by scanning electron microscopy and using double-staining dyes, respectively. Although S. aureus biofilms were not eradicated by CLA, CFZ or VCM alone, CLA combined with CFZ or VCM destroyed biofilms, and S. aureus eradication was clearly observed 72 h later. This in vitro study showed that treatment with CLA plus CFZ or VCM destroyed staphylococcal biofilms formed on medical devices and eradicated S. aureus.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacokinetics
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology*
  • Biofilms / drug effects*
  • Bone and Bones / metabolism
  • Bone and Bones / microbiology
  • Cefazolin / pharmacokinetics
  • Cefazolin / pharmacology*
  • Clarithromycin / pharmacokinetics
  • Clarithromycin / pharmacology*
  • Drug Interactions
  • Equipment and Supplies / microbiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Internal Fixators / microbiology
  • Male
  • Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  • Microscopy, Fluorescence
  • Middle Aged
  • Muscle, Skeletal / metabolism
  • Staphylococcus aureus / drug effects*
  • Titanium*
  • Vancomycin / pharmacokinetics
  • Vancomycin / pharmacology*

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Vancomycin
  • Titanium
  • Clarithromycin
  • Cefazolin