Background
The
Conclusions
There were no significant differences found at either the quantitative or qualitative level when comparing bacterial growth in the BPTB graft to that in the 4×Ht graft. Therefore, the presence of sutures in the 4×Ht graft cannot be established as a predisposing factor for increased biofilm growth in this in vitro study.
Methods
A descriptive in vitro study was conducted. One 4×Ht graft and one BPTB graft were prepared. They were then contaminated with a strain of S. epidermidis. Later, a quantitative analysis was conducted by means of microcalorimetry and sonication with plating. Additionally, a qualitative analysis was conducted by means of electron microscopy.
Results
No significant differences were found between the bacterial growth profiles of the 4×Ht graft and the BPTB graft in microcalorimetry and colony counting. In the samples analyzed with electron microscopy, no specific biofilm growth pattern was identified upon comparing the BPTB graft to the 4×Ht graft. Conclusions: There were no significant differences found at either the quantitative or qualitative level when comparing bacterial growth in the BPTB graft to that in the 4×Ht graft. Therefore, the presence of sutures in the 4×Ht graft cannot be established as a predisposing factor for increased biofilm growth in this in vitro study.