Research on anti-infection effect of electricidal stimulation / 中华创伤骨科杂志

ABSTRACT

The current treatment of medical implant-associated infections is still challenging.The infections are particularly persistent because the bacteria attaching to the implant surfaces produce a protective matrix which establishes itself as biofilms,shielding the bacteria from antibiotics.Biofilm bacteria are resistant to antimicrobics at levels 500 to 5,000 times higher than those needed to kill non-biofilm bacteria.In vitro experiments have shown that electric current has anti-infection effect and can enhance the activity of some antimicrobial agents against certain bacteria in the biofilms.Direct electrical stimulation has already been safely used in humans for fracture healing.In this article,we review the current state and development in research on the anti-infection effect of electrical stimulation.