Systematic review and meta-analysis comparing surgical site infection in abdominal surgery between triclosan-coated and uncoated sutures.

PURPOSE: Surgical site infection (SSI) is a frequent complication after abdominal surgery and impacts morbidity, mortality and medical costs. This systematic review evaluates whether the use of triclosan-coated sutures for closing the fascia during abdominal surgery reduces the rate of SSI compared to uncoated sutures. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted using the PRISMA guidelines. On February 17, 2024, a literature search was performed in Medline ALL, Web of Science Core Collection, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Embase. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on abdominal fascial closure in human adults, comparing triclosan-coated and uncoated sutures, were included. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane RoB 2 tool. Pooled meta-analysis was performed using RevMan. RESULTS: Out of 1523 records, eleven RCTs were included, with a total of 10,234 patients: 5159 in the triclosan-coated group and 5075 in the uncoated group. The incidence of SSI was statistically significantly lower in the triclosan-coated group (14.8% vs. 17.3%) with an odds ratio (OR) of 0.84 (95% CI [0.75, 0.93], p = 0.001). When polydioxanone was evaluated separately (coated N = 3999, uncoated N = 3900), triclosan-coating reduced SSI; 17.5% vs. 20.1%, OR 0.86 (95% CI [0.77; 0.96], p = 0.008). When polyglactin 910 was evaluated (coated N = 1160, uncoated N = 1175), triclosan-coating reduced the incidence of SSI; 5.4% vs. 7.8%, OR 0.67 (95% CI [0.48; 0.94], p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: According to the results of this meta-analysis the use of triclosan-coated sutures for fascial closure statistically significantly reduces the incidence of SSI after abdominal surgery with a risk difference of about 2%.

Is barbed better? Evaluation of triclosan-coated barbed suture on wound complications following emergency laparotomy.

INTRODUCTION: Emergent laparotomy is associated with significant wound complications including surgical site infections (SSIs) and fascial dehiscence. Triclosan-coated barbed (TCB) suture for fascial closure has been shown to reduce local complications but primarily in elective settings. We sought to evaluate the effect of TCB emergency laparotomy fascial closure on major wound complications. METHODS: Adult patients undergoing emergency laparotomy were prospectively evaluated over 1 year. Patients were grouped into TCB versus polydioxanone (PDS) for fascial closure. Subanalysis was performed on patients undergoing single-stage laparotomy. Primary outcomes were SSI and fascial dehiscence. Multivariate analysis identified independent factors associated with SSI and fascial dehiscence. RESULTS: Of the 206 laparotomies, 73 (35%) were closed with TCB, and 133 (65%) were closed with PDS. Trauma was the reason for laparotomy in 73% of cases; damage-control laparotomy was performed in 27% of cases. The overall rate of SSI and fascial dehiscence was 18% and 10%, respectively. Operative strategy was similar between groups, including damage-control laparotomy, wound vac use, skin closure, and blood products. Surgical site infection events trended lower with TCB versus PDS closure (11% vs. 21%, p = 0.07), and fascial dehiscence was significantly lower with TCB versus PDS (4% vs. 14%, p < 0.05). Subanalysis of trauma and nontrauma cases showed no difference in SSI or fascial dehiscence. Multivariable analysis found that TCB decreased the likelihood of fascial dehiscence (odds ratio, 0.07; p < 0.05) following emergency laparotomy. Increased odds of fascial dehiscence were seen in damage-control laparotomy (odds ratio, 3.1; p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Emergency laparotomy fascial closure with TCB showed significantly decreased rates of fascial dehiscence compared with closure with PDS and a strong trend toward lower SSI events. Triclosan-coated barbed suture was independently associated with decreased fascial dehiscence rates after emergency laparotomy. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic/Care Management; Level III.

Engineering surgical stitches to prevent bacterial infection.

Surgical site infections (SSIs) account for a massive economic, physiological, and psychological burden on patients and health care providers. Sutures provide a surface to which bacteria can adhere, proliferate, and promote SSIs. Current methods for fighting SSIs involve the use of sutures coated with common antibiotics (triclosan). Unfortunately, these antibiotics have been rendered ineffective due to the increasing rate of antibiotic resistance. A promising new avenue involves the use of metallic nanoparticles (MNPs). MNPs exhibit low cytotoxicity and a strong propensity for killing bacteria while evading the typical antibiotic resistance mechanisms. In this work, we developed a novel MNPs dip-coating method for PDS-II sutures and explored the capabilities of a variety of MNPs in killing bacteria while retaining the cytocompatibility. Our findings indicated that our technique provided a homogeneous coating for PDS-II sutures, maintaining the strength, structural integrity, and degradability. The MNP coatings possess strong in vitro antibacterial properties against P aeruginosa and S. aureus-varying the %of dead bacteria from ~ 40% (for MgO NPs) to ~ 90% (for Fe2O3) compared to ~ 15% for uncoated PDS-II suture, after 7 days. All sutures demonstrated minimal cytotoxicity (cell viability > 70%) reinforcing the movement towards the use MNPs as a viable antibacterial technology.

Developmental and Reproductive Outcomes in Male Rats Exposed to Triclosan: Two-Generation Study.

Triclosan (TCS) is a phenolic compound with broad-spectrum antimicrobial action that has been incorporated into a variety of personal care products and other industry segments such as toys, textiles, and plastics. Due to its widespread use, TCS and its derivatives have been detected in several environmental compartments, with potential bioaccumulation and persistence. Indeed, some studies have demonstrated that TCS may act as a potential endocrine disruptor for the reproductive system. In the current study, we are reporting on the results obtained for male rats after a two-generation reproduction toxicity study conducted with TCS. Female and male Wistar rats were treated daily by gavage with TCS at doses of 0.8, 2.4, and 8.0 mg/kg/day or corn oil (control group) over 10 weeks (F0) and over 14 weeks (F1) before mating and then throughout mating, until weaning F2 generations, respectively. TCS exposure decreased sperm viability and motility of F1 rats at the dose of 2.4 mg/kg. The effects of TCS on sperm quality may be related to the exposure window, which includes the programming of reproductive cells that occurs during fetal/neonatal development.

Reducing surgical site infections in low-income and middle-income countries (FALCON): a pragmatic, multicentre, stratified, randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Surgical site infection (SSI) is the most common postoperative complication worldwide. WHO guidelines to prevent SSI recommend alcoholic chlorhexidine skin preparation and fascial closure using triclosan-coated sutures, but called for assessment of both interventions in low-resource settings. This study aimed to test both interventions in low-income and middle-income countries. METHODS: FALCON was a 2 × 2 factorial, randomised controlled trial stratified by whether surgery was clean-contaminated, or contaminated or dirty, including patients undergoing abdominal surgery with a skin incision of 5 cm or greater. This trial was undertaken in 54 hospitals in seven countries (Benin, Ghana, India, Mexico, Nigeria, Rwanda, and South Africa). Patients were computer randomised 1:1:1:1 to: (1) 2% alcoholic chlorhexidine and non-coated suture, (2) 2% alcoholic chlorhexidine and triclosan-coated suture, (3) 10% aqueous povidone-iodine and non-coated suture, or (4) 10% aqueous povidone-iodine and triclosan-coated suture. Patients and outcome assessors were masked to intervention allocation. The primary outcome was SSI, reported by trained outcome assessors, and presented using adjusted relative risks and 95% CIs. Analysis was by intention to treat. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03700749. FINDINGS: Between Dec 10, 2018, and Sept 7, 2020, 5788 patients (3091 in clean-contaminated stratum, 2697 in contaminated or dirty stratum) were randomised (1446 to alcoholic chlorhexidine and non-coated suture, 1446 to alcoholic chlorhexidine and triclosan-coated suture, 1447 to aqueous povidone-iodine and non-coated suture, and 1449 to aqueous povidone-iodine and triclosan-coated suture). 14·0% (810/5788) of patients were children and 66·9% (3873/5788) had emergency surgery. The overall SSI rate was 22·0% (1163/5284; clean-contaminated stratum 15·5% [454/2923], contaminated or dirty stratum 30·0% [709/2361]). For both strata, there was no evidence of a difference in the risk of SSI with alcoholic chlorhexidine versus povidone-iodine (clean-contaminated stratum 15·3% [223/1455] vs 15·7% [231/1468], relative risk 0·97 [95% CI 0·82-1·14]; contaminated or dirty stratum 28·3% [338/1194] vs 31·8% [371/1167], relative risk 0·91 [95% CI 0·81-1·02]), or with triclosan-coated sutures versus non-coated sutures (clean-contaminated stratum 14·7% [215/1459] vs 16·3% [239/1464], relative risk 0·90 [95% CI 0·77-1·06]; contaminated or dirty stratum 29·4% [347/1181] vs 30·7% [362/1180], relative risk 0·98 [95% CI 0·87-1·10]). With both strata combined, there were no differences using alcoholic chlorhexidine or triclosan-coated sutures. INTERPRETATION: This trial did not show benefit from 2% alcoholic chlorhexidine skin preparation compared with povidone-iodine, or with triclosan-coated sutures compared with non-coated sutures, in preventing SSI in clean-contaminated or contaminated or dirty surgical wounds. Both interventions are more expensive than alternatives, and these findings do not support recommendations for routine use. FUNDING: National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Global Health Research Unit Grant, BD.

Integrated Proteomics and Metabolomics Assessment Indicated Metabolic Alterations in Hypothalamus of Mice Exposed to Triclosan.

Triclosan (TCS) is a ubiquitous antimicrobial used in many daily consumer products. It has been reported to induce endocrine disrupting effects at low doses in mammals, disturbing sex hormone function and thyroid function. The hypothalamus plays a crucial role in the maintenance of neuroendocrine function and energy homeostasis. We speculated that the adverse effects of TCS might be related to the disturbance of metabolic processes in hypothalamus. The present study aimed at investigating the effects of TCS exposure on the protein and metabolite profiles in hypothalamus of mice. Male C57BL/6 mice were orally exposed to TCS at the dosage of 10 mg/kg/d for 13 weeks. The hypothalamus was isolated and processed for mass spectrometry (MS)-based proteomics and metabolomics analyses. The results showed that a 10.6% decrease (P = 0.066) in body weight gain was observed in the TCS exposure group compared with vehicle control group. Differential analysis defined 52 proteins and 57 metabolites that delineated TCS exposed mice from vehicle controls. Among the differential features, multiple proteins and metabolites were found to play vital roles in neuronal signaling and function. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that these differentially expressed proteins and metabolites were involved in four major biological processes, including glucose metabolism, purine metabolism, neurotransmitter release, and neural plasticity, suggesting the disturbance of homeostasis in energy metabolism, mitochondria function, neurotransmitter system, and neuronal function. Our results may provide insights into the neurotoxicity of TCS and extend our understanding of the biological effects induced by TCS exposure.

Hand hygiene for the prevention of infections in neonates.

BACKGROUND: Annually, infections contribute to approximately 25% of the 2.8 million neonatal deaths worldwide. Over 95% of sepsis-related neonatal deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries. Hand hygiene is an inexpensive and cost-effective method of preventing infection in neonates, making it an affordable and practicable intervention in low- and middle-income settings. Therefore, hand hygiene practices may hold strong prospects for reducing the occurrence of infection and infection-related neonatal death. OBJECTIVES: To determine the effectiveness of different hand hygiene agents for preventing neonatal infection in community and health facility settings. SEARCH METHODS: We used the standard search strategy of Cochrane Neonatal to search the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL; 2019, Issue 5), in the Cochrane Library; MEDLINE via PubMed (1966 to 10 May 2019); Embase (1980 to 10 May 2019); and the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) (1982 to 10 May 2019). We also searched clinical trials databases and the reference lists of retrieved articles for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-randomised trials. Searches were updated 1 June 2020. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included RCTs, cross-over trials, and quasi-RCTs that included pregnant women, mothers, other caregivers, and healthcare workers who received interventions within the community or in health facility settings DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We used standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane and the GRADE approach to assess the certainty of evidence. Primary outcomes were incidence of (study author-defined) suspected infection within the first 28 days of life, bacteriologically confirmed infection within the first 28 days of life, all-cause mortality within the first seven days of life (early neonatal death), and all-cause mortality from the 8th to the 28th day of life (late neonatal death). MAIN RESULTS: Our review included five studies: one RCT, one quasi-RCT, and three cross-over trials with a total of more than 5450 neonates (two studies included all neonates but did not report the actual number of neonates involved). Four studies involved 279 nurses working in neonatal intensive care units and all neonates on admission. The fifth study did not clearly state how many nurses were included in the study. Studies examined the effectiveness of different hand hygiene practices for the incidence of (study author-defined) suspected infection within the first 28 days of life. Two studies were rated as low risk for selection bias, another two were rated as high risk, and one study was rated as unclear risk. One study was rated as low risk for allocation bias, and four were rated as high risk. Only one of the five studies was rated as low risk for performance bias. 4% chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) compared to plain liquid soap We are uncertain whether plain soap is better than 4% chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) for nurses' skin based on very low-certainty evidence (mean difference (MD) -1.75, 95% confidence interval (CI) -3.31 to -0.19; 16 participants, 1 study; very low-certainty evidence). We identified no studies that reported on other outcomes for this comparison. 4% chlorhexidine gluconate compared to triclosan 1% One study compared 1% w/v triclosan with 4% chlorhexidine gluconate and suggests that 1% w/v triclosan may reduce the incidence of suspected infection (risk ratio (RR) 1.04, 95% CI 0.19 to 5.60; 1916 participants, 1 study; very low-certainty evidence). There may be fewer cases of infection in the 1% w/v triclosan group compared to the 4% chlorhexidine gluconate group (RR 6.01, 95% CI 3.56 to 10.14; 1916 participants, 1 study; very low-certainty evidence); however, we are uncertain of the available evidence. We identified no study that reported on all-cause mortality, duration of hospital stay, and adverse events for this comparison. 2% CHG compared to alcohol hand sanitiser (61% alcohol and emollients) We are uncertain whether 2% chlorhexidine gluconate reduces the risk of all infection in neonates compared to 61% alcohol hand sanitiser with regards to the incidence of all bacteriologically confirmed infection within the first 28 days of life (RR 2.19, 95% CI 1.79 to 2.69; 2932 participants, 1 study; very low-certainty evidence) in the 2% chlorhexidine gluconate group, but the evidence is very uncertain.   The adverse outcome was reported as mean visual scoring on the skin. There may be little to no difference between the effects of 2% CHG on nurses' skin compared to alcohol hand sanitiser based on very low-certainty evidence (MD 0.80, 95% CI 0.01 to 1.59; 118 participants, 1 study; very low-certainty evidence). We identified no study that reported on all-cause mortality and other outcomes for this comparison. None of the included studies assessed all-cause mortality within the first seven days of life nor duration of hospital stay.  AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: We are uncertain as to the superiority of one hand hygiene agent over another because this review included very few studies with very serious study limitations.

Topical exposure to triclosan inhibits Th1 immune responses and reduces T cells responding to influenza infection in mice.

Healthcare workers concurrently may be at a higher risk of developing respiratory infections and allergic disease, such as asthma, than the general public. Increased incidence of allergic diseases is thought to be caused, in part, due to occupational exposure to chemicals that induce or augment Th2 immune responses. However, whether exposure to these chemical antimicrobials can influence immune responses to respiratory pathogens is unknown. Here, we use a BALB/c murine model to test if the Th2-promoting antimicrobial chemical triclosan influences immune responses to influenza A virus. Mice were dermally exposed to 2% triclosan for 7 days prior to infection with a sub-lethal dose of mouse adapted PR8 A(H1N1) virus (50 pfu); triclosan exposure continued until 10 days post infection (dpi). Infected mice exposed to triclosan did not show an increase in morbidity or mortality, and viral titers were unchanged. Assessment of T cell responses at 10 dpi showed a decrease in the number of total and activated (CD44hi) CD4+ and CD8+ T cells at the site of infection (BAL and lung) in triclosan exposed mice compared to controls. Influenza-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were assessed using MHCI and MHCII tetramers, with reduced populations, although not reaching statistical significance at these sites following triclosan exposure. Reductions in the Th1 transcription factor T-bet were seen in both activated and tetramer+ CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in the lungs of triclosan exposed infected mice, indicating reduced Th1 polarization and providing a potential mechanism for numerical reduction in T cells. Overall, these results indicate that the immune environment induced by triclosan exposure has the potential to influence the developing immune response to a respiratory viral infection and may have implications for healthcare workers who may be at an increased risk for developing infectious diseases.

Biomarkers for the toxicity of sublethal concentrations of triclosan to the early life stages of carps.

Accumulation, contents of protein, non-enzymatic antioxidant glutathione (GSH and GSSG), lipid peroxidation product (melondialdehyde-MDA) and organic acids (fumarate, succinate, malate and citrate), and activities of neurological (acetylcholinesterase-AChE), detoxification (glutathione S-transferase-GST) and metabolic (lactate dehydrogenase-LDH, aspartate transaminase-AST and alanine transaminase-ALT) enzymes were recorded in the hatchlings of Cyprinus carpio, Ctenopharyngodon idella, Labeo rohita and Cirrhinus mrigala after 7 and 14 days exposure and 10 days post exposure (recovery period) to sublethal concentrations (0.005, 0.01, 0.02 and 0.05 mg/L) of triclosan, a highly toxic and persistent biocide used in personal care products. Accumulation was maximum between 7-14 days at 0.01 mg/L for C. carpio and L. rohita but at 0.005 mg/L for C. idella and C. mrigala. No triclosan was observed at 0.005 mg/L in C. carpio and C. mrigala after recovery. Significant decline in protein, glutathione and acetylcholinesterase but increase in glutathione S-transferase, lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, melondialdehyde and organic acids over control during exposure continued till the end of recovery period. Integrated biomarker response (IBR) analysis depicted higher star plot area for glutathione and glutathione S-transferase during initial 7 days of exposure, thereafter, during 7-14 days of exposure and the recovery period, higher star plot area was observed for acetylcholinesterase, aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase and organic acids. Higher star plot area was observed for protein in all the species throughout the study. The study shows that L. rohita is most sensitive and glutathione, acetylcholinesterase, aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase are the biomarkers for the toxicity of sublethal concentrations of TCS.

Triclosan-loaded pH-responsive copolymer to target bacteria and to have long bacteriostatic efficacy.

It is important to reduce side effects and to explore novel usage for hydrophobic broad-spectrum antibacterial agent triclosan (TCS). In this study, a new amphiphilic copolymer with tertiary amine groups, monomethyl ether poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly{α-[4-(diethylamino)methyl-1,2,3-triazol]-caprolactone-co-caprolactone} (mPEG-PDCL) was designed and synthesized, and its micelles were applied as carries of TCS to enhance antimicrobial and bacteriostatic action. mPEG-PDCL and its contrastive copolymer mPEG-PCL could form uniform spherical micelles with sizes 50-110 nm. The zeta potential of mPEG-PDCL micelles was positive and changed from 7.00 ± 0.67 mV at pH 7.5 to 24.67 ± 1.23 mV at pH 5.5. Both TCS-loaded micelles displayed quite high drug loading content (approx. 15%) and drug loading efficiency (more than 85%). In comparison with pH 7.4, TCS released faster in acidic environment which was induced by bacteria metabolism. MIC values of both TCS-loaded micelles against S. aureus and E. coli were as low as free TCS. TCS-loaded micelles showed much better antibacterial activity than free TCS, especially, mPEG-PDCL/TCS micelles displayed long bacteriostatic efficacy in 60 h against S. aureus and in 54 h against E. coli. mPEG-PDCL micelles preferred targeting to both S. aureus and E. coli due to positive zeta potential. In in vivo experiment, the purulence of the infected wound almost disappeared for SD rats treated with mPEG-PDCL/TCS micelles. Therefore, mPEG-PDCL micelles may be used as good carriers for antimicrobial agents, and the TCS-loaded micelles possess long antimicrobial/bacteriostatic efficacy.

Investigation of the in vitro antimicrobial activity of triclosan-coated suture material on bacteria commonly isolated from wounds in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate in vitro effects of triclosan coating of suture materials on the growth of clinically relevant bacteria isolated from wounds in dogs. SAMPLE: 6 types of suture material and 10 isolates each of methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, methicillin-resistant S pseudintermedius, Escherichia coli, and AmpC ß-lactamase and extended-spectrum ß-lactamase-producing E coli from clinical wound infections. PROCEDURES: Isolates were cultured on Mueller-Hinton agar with 3 types of triclosan-coated suture, uncoated counterparts of the same suture types, and positive and negative controls. Zones of inhibition (ZOIs) were measured after overnight incubation. Sustained antimicrobial activity assays were performed with susceptible isolates. The ZOI measurements and durations of sustained antimicrobial activity were compared among suture types and isolates by statistical methods. Suture surface characteristics and bacterial adherence were evaluated qualitatively with scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS: ZOIs were generated only by triclosan-coated materials; triclosan-coated suture had sustained antimicrobial activity (inhibition) for 3 to 29 days against all tested pathogens. The ZOIs around triclosan-coated suture were significantly greater for S pseudintermedius isolates than for E coli isolates. Bacterial adherence to uncoated polyglactin-910 was greatest, followed by triclosan-coated polyglactin-910, and then uncoated monofilament sutures, with least adherence to coated monofilament sutures. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Surface characteristics of suture materials may be as important or more important than triclosan coating for microbial inhibition; however, triclosan coating appeared to affect bacterial adherence for multifilament sutures. Triclosan-coated, particularly monofilament, sutures inhibited pathogens commonly isolated from wounds of dogs, including multidrug-resistant bacteria. Further studies are required to assess clinical efficacy of triclosan-coated suture materials in vivo.

A dual-action chitosan-based nanogel system of triclosan and flurbiprofen for localised treatment of periodontitis.

This study aimed to develop a dual action, namely anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial, nanogels (NG) for the treatment of periodontitis using triclosan (TCS) and flurbiprofen (FLB). Triclosan, an antimicrobial drug, was prepared as nanoparticles (NPs) using poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL), while flurbiprofen, an anti-inflammatory drug, was directly loaded in a chitosan (CS) based hydrogel. The entwinement of both NPs and hydrogel loaded systems resulted in the NG. The characterisation data confirmed that the developed formulation consists of nanosized spherical structures and displays pH-dependent swelling/erosion and temperature-responsiveness. Besides, the NG exhibited adequate bioadhesiveness using the chicken pouch model and displayed antibacterial activity through the agar plate method. An in-vivo study of the NG on experimental periodontitis (EP) rats confirmed the dual antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects which revealed an excellent therapeutic outcome. In conclusion, a dual action NG was successfully developed and proved to have superior therapeutic effects in comparison to physical mixtures of the individual drugs.

An external ventricular drainage catheter impregnated with rifampicin, trimethoprim and triclosan, with extended activity against MDR Gram-negative bacteria: an in vitro and in vivo study.

BACKGROUND: External ventricular drainage (EVD) carries a high risk of ventriculitis, increasingly caused by MDR Gram-negative bacteria such as Escherichia coli and Acinetobacter baumannii. Existing antimicrobial EVD catheters are not effective against these, and we have developed a catheter with activity against MDR bacteria and demonstrated the safety of the new formulation for use in the brain. OBJECTIVES: Our aim was to determine the ability of a newly formulated impregnated EVD catheters to withstand challenge with MDR Gram-negative bacteria and to obtain information about its safety for use in the CNS. METHODS: Catheters impregnated with three antimicrobials (rifampicin, trimethoprim and triclosan) were challenged in flow conditions at four weekly timepoints with high doses of MDR bacteria, including MRSA and Acinetobacter, and monitored for bacterial colonization. Catheter segments were also inserted intracerebrally into Wistar rats, which were monitored for clinical and behavioural change, and weight loss. Brains were removed after either 1 week or 4 weeks, and examined for evidence of inflammation and toxicity. RESULTS: Control catheters colonized quickly after the first challenge, while no colonization occurred in the impregnated catheters even after the 4 week challenge. Animals receiving the antimicrobial segments behaved normally and gained weight as expected. Neurohistochemistry revealed only surgical trauma and no evidence of neurotoxicity. CONCLUSIONS: The antimicrobial catheter appears to withstand bacterial challenge for at least 4 weeks, suggesting that it might offer protection against infection with MDR Gram-negative bacteria in patients undergoing EVD. It also appears to be safe for use in the CNS.

Staphylococcus aureus colonization and chronic hand eczema: a multicenter clinical trial.

Chronic hand eczema is a common chronic inflammatory skin disease that influences public health. Staphylococcus aureus colonization plays important roles in chronic hand eczema morbidity and progression, which also correlated to chronicity and severity of the disease. In this multicenter clinical trial, we aim to investigate the relationship between S. aureus colonization and chronic hand eczema. Eighty patient volunteers diagnosed with chronic hand eczema in 4 hospitals from 4 cities participated in this study. Staphylococcus aureus colonization was determined using Polymerase Chain Reaction and fluorescent labeling probe to rapidly detect the endemic thermostable nuclease gene nuc of S. aureus in clinical samples. All patients were treated with Halometasone Triclosan Cream for 2 weeks. The changes of clinical symptom scores were observed during the follow-up time. We found that the severity of chronic hand eczema was related to S. aureus colonization. Chronic hand eczema would remain severer than others if S. aureus colonization was not eliminated. Eliminating S. aureus colonization could provide good effectiveness in treatment of chronic hand eczema. Therefore, we make a proposal that detection and treatment of S. aureus should be considered in the clinical treatment of chronic hand eczema.

Effect of Triclosan-Coated Suture on Surgical Site Infection of Abdominal Fascial Closures.

Background: Surgical site infections (SSIs) are a serious problem after abdominal surgery. This study aimed to compare closure of fascia with triclosan-coated monofilament polydioxanone (PDS) or standard PDS in decreasing the incidence of SSIs in patients who underwent abdominal surgery. Methods: In this randomized study, a total of 890 consecutive patients undergoing laparotomy for any gastrointestinal pathology were allocated to closure of the fascia with triclosan-coated PDS (treatment group; TG) or standard PDS (control group; CG). Patients were assessed every day during the hospital stay for SSIs and at the first, second, and fourth week after discharge. The surgical site was assessed in terms of superficial, deep incisional, or organ/site SSI. Results: The main important finding was that SSIs were reduced as much as 24% by using triclosan-coated PDS. Surgical site infections occurred in 200 patients (22.4%), with 105 being early (in the first week) and 95 occurring late. Eighty five of the SSIs (19.1%) were noted in patients in the TG, whereas 115 of them (25.8%) were in the CG (p = 0.016). The infections were superficial in 126 patients, deep incisional in 48 patients, and organ/site in 26 patients. Most of patients (n = 651) had clean-contaminated sites. In subgroup analysis, SSI rates with triclosan-coated PDS were lower in clean, clean-contaminated, and contaminated incisions (0 in the TG versus 24.2% in the CG; p = 0.009; 13.6% in the TG versus 24.3% in the CG, p = 0.001; and 16.6% in the TG versus 27.8% in the CG; p < 0.0001, respectively). Conclusions: Closure of the fascia with triclosan-coated PDS decreased SSI rates as much as 24%. Also, SSIs were decreased significantly at clean, clean-contaminated, and contaminated sites. Therefore, triclosan-coated PDS might be recommended for fascial closure as a means of decreasing SSIs.

Low-dose exposure to triclosan disrupted osteogenic differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells via BMP/ERK/Smad/Runx-2 signalling pathway.

Triclosan (TCS) has been used widely in personal care products for its broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. The detection of TCS in the umbilical cord sera, amniotic fluid, and placenta, has raised concerns about the risk to foetal development. In the current study, the embryonic stem cells test (EST) were utilized primarily for the evaluation of the adverse effects of TCS on cardiogenesis and osteogenesis in vitro. TCS was predicted to be weakly embryotoxic in cardiogenesis and strongly embryotoxic in osteogenesis. The 50% inhibition value of osteogenic differentiation was 110 times lower than that of cardiac differentiation, which suggested that the development of the skeletal system was more sensitive to TCS-induced disruption. The mechanism through which TCS exerted toxicity on osteogenesis was studied further. Decreased calcification in ESC-derived osteoblasts was observed after exposure to TCS at a low dose, equal to the human internal exposure level. TCS was observed to specifically target ERK activation, rather than JNK or p38. Further, the downregulation of p-Smad-1, together with strong inhibition on Runx-2 and Bglap-2 expression, was observed via BMP/ERK/Smad signalling when cells were exposed to TCS. The change in Runx-2 induced by a low-dose TCS highlighted a specific target for exploring its adverse effect on skeletal development.

Antibacterial hyaluronic acid/chitosan multilayers onto smooth and micropatterned titanium surfaces.

Bacterial contamination is a critical problem in medical implants, which are preferential sites for bacterial adhesion, leading to infections which can compromise health and immune system of patients. Commercial titanium alloys are the most commonly used materials for permanent implants in contact with bone, and the prevention of infections on their surface is therefore a crucial challenge for orthopaedic and dental surgeons. Thus, the aim of this work is to develop polysaccharide antibacterial coatings onto modified titanium surfaces with different surface topography, in order to act as reservoirs of antibacterial agents. For this, hyaluronic acid/chitosan polyelectrolyte multilayers were successfully developed after acid hydrolysis of Ti-6Al -4 V alloys. Surface modification could be monitorized by XPS spectroscopy, fluorescence confocal microscopy and contact angle measurements. Furthermore, the effect of surface micropatterning on the stability, hydrophilicity, capability to the loading and release of triclosan and the antibacterial properties of prepared multilayers against Staphylococcus aureus were also analysed.

[Triclosan-coated sutures in colorectal surgery : Assessment and meta-analysis of the recommendations of the WHO guideline]. / Triclosan-beschichtete Nahtmaterialien in der kolorektalen Chirurgie : Bewertung und Metaanalyse zu den Empfehlungen der WHO-Richtlinie.

BACKGROUND: In the global guidelines for the prevention of surgical site infections (SSI), the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the general use of triclosan-coated sutures irrespective of the type of surgical intervention. OBJECTIVE: Can this recommendation on the use of triclosan-coated sutures be confirmed by a meta-analysis specifically for colorectal surgery? METHODS: Randomized and non-randomized clinical trials comparing triclosan-coated and uncoated sutures for the efficacy in reducing the SSI rate in colorectal surgery were identified by a systematic literature review. In addition, various quality criteria were set for the studies to be included: SSI definition according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a priori sample size calculation and a maximum SSI rate of 20%. The odds ratios were pooled using a fixed and random effects model, the 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated and subgroup analyses were carried out. RESULTS: Included in the meta-analysis were 3 prospective randomized trials (RCT) and 3 non-randomized trials involving a total of 2957 subjects. The average SSI rate was 6.90% (76/1101) in the triclosan group and 9.11% (169/1856) in the control group, resulting in an odds ratio of 0.62 (95% CI: 0.29-1.31). Subgroup analysis showed a decreased risk for SSI in monocentric trials (OR = 0.39, 95% CI: 0.25-0.60) but an increased SSI risk in multicenter trials (OR = 1.75, 95% CI: 1.11-2.77). CONCLUSION: Against the background of a moderate to high risk of bias and the partially contradictory findings of the studies, the general recommendation of the WHO on the use of triclosan-coated sutures for colorectal surgery could not be confirmed.

Effects of a toothpaste containing 0.3% triclosan in the maintenance phase of peri-implantitis treatment: 2-Year randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of a toothpaste containing 0.3% triclosan in volunteers that have been treated for peri-implantitis and were enrolled in a maintenance program. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Subjects presenting at least one implant with peri-implantitis were selected. They received anti-infective surgical therapy, and sixty days post-surgery (baseline) were randomized into two groups, brushing twice/day for 2 years (a) with a toothpaste containing 0.3% triclosan+2.0% PVM/MA copolymer (GantrezTM )+1,450 ppm fluoride (test) or (b) with a toothpaste containing 1,450 ppm fluoride (control). They received clinical and microbiological monitoring at baseline, 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months, and professional maintenance every 3 months. RESULTS: A total of 102 subjects were enrolled (test: 48; control: 54). The control group showed loss of clinical attachment (CA) around treated implants over the course of the study (p < 0.05), while the test group was stable for this parameter. The difference between groups (0.55 mm) for CA change between baseline and 24 months (primary outcome variable) was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Red complex pathogens were only reduced in the test group at 24 months. The implants with no history of peri-implantitis in the test group had a significant reduction in the percentage of sites with bleeding on probing and in mean probing depth, throughout the study (p < 0.05). This improvement was not observed in the control group. CONCLUSION: A toothpaste containing 0.3% triclosan was more effective than a toothpaste without triclosan in maintaining a healthy peri-implant environment around treated implants and implants with no history of peri-implantitis during a 2-year maintenance program (ClinicalTrials.govNCT03191721).