In Vitro Mitigation of Pathogenic Bacteria and Virulence Factors Using a Hydroconductive Dressing

Wound infections can have devastating effects on healing as well as the health of the patient. Complications increase when the pathogens are capable of producing virulence factors and/or are drug resistant. Novel methods are needed to take on the challenges of treating such wounds. Drawtex ® dressing is purported to have hydroconductive properties that allow it to draw away debris and exudate from the wound into the dressing. The goal of this work is to better define these interactions of this experimental dressing with bacteria and virulence factors. Two series of in vitro experiments were performed. First, pieces of experimental dressing were submerged in a series of cultures in flasks and samples of the dressing and cultures were taken over 90 minutes and assayed for bacteria and virulence factor levels. Second, experimental or standard care (control) dressings were placed on selective agar plated with pathogens of interest. Dressings and the agar covered by them were used to quantify bacteria and virulence factors over time. The experimental dressing took up both bacteria and virulence factors to a larger extent than the control dressing. Experimental dressing significantly reduced the load of bacteria and virulence factors in cultures compared to control culture without dressing. Based on the ability of the dressing to take up bacteria and virulence factors in this study, the data point to the potential for this dressing to be similarly effective in reducing or eliminating pathogen from wounds, potentially increasing the chances of successful wound healing.