Establishing a Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilm in a Murine Model

Abstract

Polymicrobial biofilm has been linked to chronic wounds, in recent years. Wounds such as pressure ulcers, diabetic foot ulcers, and venous stasis ulcers, can not heal properly because of the persistent nature of the biofilm in the wounds. Biofilms are harder to eradicate than plaktonic bacteria because they are high density colonies of bacteria that excrete a high volume of extracellular polymeric substance (EPS), up regulate genes that produce efflux pumps, and contain cells with little to no metabolic activity. The need for a topical antimicrobial to help eradicate the biofilm is necessary so the chronic wounds can heal. Healthpoint, Ltd. currently has in vivo gram positive bacteria models to evaluate novel topical antimicrobials. Since clinical biofilms are polymicrobial, this Pseudomonas aeruginosa 27312 biofilm in a murine model would further assist evaluate novel topical antimicrobials. The data from the model showed the wounds sustained a high level infection, and that a biofilm was established.