Triclosan Coated Suture Inhibits colonization of Bacteria Responsible for Surgical Site Infection – An in Vitro Efficacy Study

Abstract

Introduction: Surgical site infection is one of the common healthcare associated infections, has significant impact on associated morbidity, mortality and exerts economic burden on the patient as well as on health care system. In addition to other measures, local inhibition of colonization of bacteria would provide clinical benefits. Antibacterial suture such as Triclosan coated suture prevents local growth of bacteria during critical initial stage of wound healing. At the end of 24 hrs of incubation at 37°C, 17-19 mm of zone of inhibition was seen for both S aureus and MRSA for Triclosan coated suture, while no zone was found around for non-coated suture.

Methods: The study evaluated in vitro efficacy of antibiotic coated Triclosan suture using zone of inhibition model against commonly reported organisms in SSI (Staphylococcus aureus, Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

Results: Triclosan coated suture prevents colonization of bacteria at the surgical site, thus reduce the risk of SSI, also it would have positive financial impact such as minimizing the treatment cost and reduced hospital stay. We believe the clinical effectiveness of Triclosan coated suture in minimizing the risk of SSI would be beneficial to health care settings in Nepal.

Conclusion: The use of Triclosan coated suture for wound closure would be highly beneficial in controlling the SSI, morbidity, mortality and short hospital stay.