Characterization of microbial contamination of skin wounds in laboratory animals following the application of various adhesives

Abstract

Active proliferation of microorganisms in a wound cavity not only slows tissue healing but, in some cases, may lead to surgical infection. Bacteriological studies of microbial contamination of skin wounds closed with various medical adhesives allow predicting the risk of complications and the course of reparative regeneration. Experimental studies were conducted at the Department of Morphology, Surgery, and Obstetrics of the Altai State Agricultural University and Zdorovye Medical Laboratory. The research goal making qualitative and quantitative analysis of microbial contamination of skin wounds closed with the medical adhesives Sulfacrylate, Dermabond, and Histoacryl. Based on the conducted studies, it may be stated that microbial colonization of skin wounds in all laboratory animals was represented mainly by representatives of the skin microflora (Staphylococcus epidermidis; Staphylococcus saprophyticus; Acinetobacter species) and opportunistic intestinal microflora (Escherichia coli; Klebsiella pneumoniae). After using the bioadhesive Dermabond to close skin wounds in mice of the second trial group (n = 10), microbial contamination persisted until the 7th day of the study. Moreover, on the 3rd day, the count of isolated Staphylococcus epidermidis, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli was an order of magnitude lower compared with similar data on the day of surgery. On the 7th day, slower growth of Klebsiella pneumoniae was observed - 10^2 CFU. After using the Sulfacrylate adhesive composition and Histoacryl bioadhesive (n = 20), microbial contamination of skin wounds in mice in the trial groups was observed only on the day of surgery after the wound was inflicted. No microbial growth was detected on days 3, 7, and 14 postoperatively.