Clinical and Surgical Results of Treatment Modalities in Orbital Roof Fractures: Single-Center Experience.

Orbital roof fractures are uncommon craniofacial fractures. Due to the location of the fracture and the mechanism of trauma, it is often associated with neuroophthalmological injuries. The authors aimed to evaluate the results of conservative and surgical treatments of patients with orbital roof fractures and present our clinical experiences regarding optimal treatment planning, especially in cases of moderate or severe head trauma. The authors retrospectively identified 145 patients who were treated for orbital roof fractures. Three colored silicone-injected cadaver samples and a dry skull were used to show the panoramic view of the anatomy of the orbital region. In this study, orbital roof fractures were classified under 4 types. The most common fracture type was type 1 (42%). Intracranial hemorrhage was observed in 60% of all cases and was most common in type 3 fractures (68%). Neuro-ophthalmological deficits were detected in 16% of all patients and were most common in Type 4 fractures (47%). Third cranial nerve deficit was the most common deficit (39%). Neuroophthalmological deficits were detected in 9.5 % of patients with mild head trauma and 32.5% in patients with moderate or severe head trauma. Moderate or severe head trauma was detected in 28% of the cases. Moderate or severe head trauma makes it difficult to detect neuro-ophthalmological complications, which are critical in determining the need for acute surgery. In patients with moderate or severe brain injury, treatment should be individualized according to the nature of the displacement and the relationship between concomitant fractures and intracranial hemorrhage.

Diagnosis and phylogenetic analysis of bovine papillomaviruses in cattle papillomatosis cases by different methods.

Papillomaviruses, known as epitheliotropic, cause proliferation in the skin, mucosa, and different visceral organs. In this study, it was aimed to diagnose bovine papillomavirus (BPV) by using different methods in the lesion taken from twenty cattle with papillomas in different areas of the body and to reveal its molecular characterization. In our study, molecular, immunohistochemistry, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) methods were used for virus identification. Additionally, sequencing analysis was used to ascertain the phylogenetic relationship between the obtained field strains and other isolates submitted to GenBank. Histopathological analyses of the collected samples were done in addition to diagnostic procedures. Intranuclear virus particles were detected when the papillomas were investigated with TEM. In PCR analyses using degenerate and type-specific primer sets, the presence of BPV nucleic acid was determined in 70% (14/20) and 90% (18/20) of the samples, respectively. No virus could be detected in PCR applications using MY 09/11 degenerate primer sets. Twenty animals of different ages, races, and genders included in the study by random sampling method from different herds were divided into 4 groups according to the body regions where the lesions were located. Sequence analysis was performed on a sample from each group that showed strong positivity in the PCR technique using FAP 59/64 degenerate primer set and type-specific primer set. Sequence analyses were performed using FAP 59/64 degenerate primers of amplicons for phylogenetic research. In these analyses, three of the isolated strains were identified as BPV-1, which is in the Deltapapillomavirus 4 genus, and one as BPV-2. As a result of the study, it was concluded that molecular and phylogenetic studies using type-specific primers are more beneficial in order to fully reveal the etiology of papillomatosis in cattle and it would be correct to determine BPV types before prophylactic (vaccine, etc.) applications.

Phylogenetic analysis and searching bovine papillomaviruses in teat papillomatosis cases in cattle by performing histopathology, immunohistochemistry, and transmission electron microscopy.

Papillomaviruses are epitheliotropic in nature and cause proliferation in the skin, mucosa, and various internal organs of various animal species. The lesions they cause, specifically in cattle teats, lead to significant economic losses in the milk industry. In this study, we identified the bovine papillomaviruses (BPVs) responsible for teat papillomas in cattle. The tissue damage caused by the virus was examined histopathologically using immunohistochemical, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and molecular methods. Additionally, sequence analyses were performed on the isolated field strains to better understand their genetic and phylogenetic relationships with previously reported isolates. Teat papillomatosis was confirmed in the collected samples by histopathological and immunohistochemical methods, which were followed by other diagnostic methods. Intranuclear virus particles were found in the epithelial cells during a TEM examination of teat lesions. BPV was detected in seven samples by performing PCR using degenerate primers and specific primers. The positive samples were used for typing through sequence analysis/PCR with type-specific primers. Three isolates from teat tissues with BPV infection were identified as BPV-6, two as BPV-10, one as BPV-2, and one as BPV-8. The five isolates identified through sequence analysis of positive samples belonged to the Xipapillomavirus 1 genus (one), the Epsilonpapillomavirus 1 genus (one), and the Deltapapillomavirus genus (one) (three). Furthermore, type-specific primers were found to be useful for molecular diagnosis of BPV, which occurs in the etiology of teat papillomas, followed by genotyping and primer generation during characterization. The detection of BPV types and their prevalence, biosafety measures in animal breeding, and the importance of vaccine research are all important.

Phylogenetic analysis of West Nile virus: first report of lineage 1 in donkey in Turkey.

West Nile virus (WNV), a member of the Flaviviridae, is a major arbovirus that causes West Nile fever. Previous data showed the prevalence of the WNV serologically and molecular in Turkey, and the presence of lineage 1 in horses and humans has been reported. This is the first notification of partial phylogeny of WNV detected in donkeys in the northeast of Turkey (on the Iranian border). Blood serum samples collected from 25 donkeys without clinical symptoms were tested by RT-PCR. Sequence analysis of the sample detected as positive was performed. Multiple sequence alignments of reference sequences taken from GenBank were performed using the ClustalW method using the MEGA6 program. Partial nucleotide sequences of the capsid gene coding region revealed that the strains are closely related to viruses of lineage 1, clade 1a. According to the phylogenetic tree, the TUR/Igdir/donkey strain was included in the same cluster as the strain (KJ958922) previously obtained from horses in Turkey and the strain (GQ851658) from the Central African Republic. This study is the first report to show the circulation of WNV lineage 1 in donkeys in Turkey.

Phylogenetic analysis of sacbrood virus structural polyprotein and non-structural RNA dependent RNA polymerase gene: Differences in Turkish strains.

Sacbrood virus (SBV) is one of the most damaging viruses in honey bee colonies. Genetic differences among sacbrood viruses detected in honey bees in different locales have been reported in previous studies. The aim of this study was to construct phylogenetic trees based on the structural polyprotein and non-structural RNA dependent RNA polymerase gene regions and to make a molecular characterization of the Tur/Bur/Sac01 and Tur/Bur/Sac02 strains identified in Apis mellifera in Turkey. As a result of the study, the tree based on the structural polyprotein region separated into four lineages: Tur/Bur/Sac01 and Tur/Bur/Sac02 were in the same branch as the Turkish sacbrood virus strains identified in previous studies and formed the Turkish clade. Strains isolated from adjacent geographical areas were in the same clade in this tree. The phylogenetic tree based on the non-structural RNA dependent RNA polymerase gene region divides into two main branches, reflecting host affiliation: Apis cerana and A. mellifera. Strains formed clusters based on their geographic distribution and host affiliation. The Tur/Bur/Sac01 and Tur/Bur/Sac02 strains formed a separate cluster among the European strains. Sacbrood viruses from Turkey were genetically different from SBV strains detected in other countries and in A. cerana.

The medial epicondyle-ulnar nerve relation with various elbow positions in healthy children.

BACKGROUND: The position of the ulnar nerve relative to the medial epicondyle in healthy children was determined with a high-resolution ultrasonography with elbow flexion, forearm pronation, and supination maneuvers which are commonly employed during reduction of the supracondylar humerus fractures. METHODS: Healthy children aged between 4 and 12 years were enrolled in this study. Both elbows of the children were evaluated with a high-resolution sonography device with gradual flexion of the elbow, whereas the forearm is alternately in pronation and supination. The medial epicondyle-ulnar nerve distance was measured with the various positions of the elbow and the forearm. One-way analysis of variance was used to analyze the differences of medial epicondyle-ulnar nerve distance at different elbow flexion angles and forearm supination-pronation positions. Paried t test was used to compare the differences between the age and sex of the children. RESULTS: Twelve female and 26 male children (76 elbows) with a mean age of 8.36 years were included in the study. Ulnar nerve was translated anteriorly through the medial epicondyle with increasing elbow flexion. The mean medial epicondyle-ulnar nerve distance that was 3.7 mm in an extended elbow decreased to 1.1 mm with full elbow flexion. The difference was statistically significant (P<0.0001). Presence of the forearm in either supination or pronation did not produce a statistically significant difference. The age and sex of the children did not produce a statistically significance difference in medial epicondyle-ulnar nerve distance. CONCLUSIONS: Flexion of the elbow brings the ulnar nerve to a close proximity to the medial epicondyle independent of forearm pronation and supination in healthy children. The decrement of the medial epicondyle-ulnar nerve distance up to 1.1 mm in a fully flexed elbow might be a factor that endangers the nerve during medial pinning in supracondylar humerus fractures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level I-diagnostic studies.

Identification and molecular characterization of two papillomavirus genotypes in teat papillomatosis cases in hair goats, in Türkiye.

Papillomaviruses can cause benign or malignant proliferations on the host's skin and mucous membranes. Recent genetic studies have identified many new papillomavirus types. In this study, molecular detection and typing was performed on papilloma samples from eight hair goats with teat papillomatosis. The papilloma samples were tested with degenerate (FAP59/FAP64,MY09/MY11) and type-specific primers. One sample was positive with degenerate (MY09/MY11) and two samples were positive with Caprahircus papillomavirus-1 type specific primers. The MY09/MY11 primer sequence indicated identity to the closest Ovine papillomavirus type-2 (77.9%). The ChPV-1 primer sequence was similar to the closest ChPV-1 (99.4%). Investigating papillomavirus types in different animal species is important for determining the evolution, prevalence, host range, and interspecies transmission potential of papillomaviruses, and to indicate suitable therapeutics for later development.

Promoting creativity in early childhood education.

This study aims to find out the opinions and experience of teachers and teacher candidates on promoting creativity and creative thinking in the early childhood stage within the scope of the current preschool educational program. The method of the study is the basic qualitative research design. The study group consists of 25 preschool teachers employed in the province of Alanya in the city of Antalya, and 25 preschool teacher candidates who were students in their 3rd and 4th year at Akdeniz University, Faculty of Education, Department of Preschool Education. Open-ended questionnaire form was used for getting the opinions of teachers and teacher candidates. The data was analyzed within the principles of content analysis. According to the results of the study, statements on the prominence of creative thinking mainly emphasized the child being able to express her/his emotions and thoughts effectively, developing the child's problem-solving skills, forming cause- effect relationships, and being able to create a different point of view towards events and situations. As for developing creative thinking, the opinions that come to the forefront are going on trips with the children, conducting art activities, focusing on drama activities, conducting science and maths activities based on research, and motivating children to create authentic products with different materials. On the whole, teachers and teacher candidates expressed that the present preschool educational program has positive contributions to promoting creative thinking in children.

Quiescent optical solitons with complex Ginzburg-Landau equation having a dozen forms of self-phase modulation.

The current study focuses on the recovery of quiescent optical solitons through the use of the complex Ginzburg-Landau equation when the chromatic dispersion is rendered to be nonlinear. A dozen forms of self-phase modulation structures are taken into consideration. The utilization of the enhanced Kudryashov's scheme has led to the emergence of singular, dark, and bright soliton solutions. The existence of such solitons is subject to certain parametric restrictions, which are also discussed in this paper.

The effect of multiple-dose ivermectin treatment on CD4+/CD8+ and the oxidative stress index in goats with udder viral papillomatosis.

This study aims to reveal the therapeutic effect of ivermectin against Capra hircus papillomavirus (ChPV-1) infection and on the CD4+/CD8+ (cluster of differentiation) and oxidative stress index (OSI). Twenty hair goats naturally infected with ChPV-1 were divided into two groups with equal numbers as the ivermectin group and the control groups. Ivermectin was administered subcutaneously at a dose of 0.2 mg/kg to the goats in the ivermectin group on days 0, 7, and 21. Blood samples were collected from the vena jugularis on days 0, 21, 45, and 90. The cluster of differentiation4+/CD8+ ratio was significantly higher in the ivermectin group than in the control group on the 90th day. Furthermore, the CD8+ concentration was significantly decreased in the ivermectin group on the 90th day compared with the control group. Both total oxidant status (TOS) and OSI were found to be significantly higher in the control group on the 21st and 45th days than in the ivermectin group. On the 90th day, it was determined that the lesions in the ivermectin group improved significantly compared to those in the control group. Additionally, only in the ivermectin group was there a significant difference between the 90th day and the other days in terms of healing. As a result, it can be suggested that ivermectin has positive effects on the immune response and that its oxidative actions are of therapeutic value and do not harm the systemic oxidative status, as in untreated goats.

Evaluating the Efficiency of Various Treatment Methods in Cattle Cutaneous Papillomatosis.

In this study, we compared the effectiveness of various methods used in the treatment of cattle with cutaneous papillomatosis. Ivermectin, Tarantula cubensis extract, levamisole, autovaccine, and a combination of T. cubensis extract + levamisole were administered to the animals. The animals were divided into six equal groups. Animals in the control group (n = 10) did not receive any treatment. The animals in the experimental group were administered Ivermectin [three times a week, n = 10, subcutaneous, (SC)], Tarantula cubensis extract (twice a week, n = 10, SC), autologous vaccine (three times at 10-day intervals, n = 10, SC), levamisole [twice at one-week intervals, n = 10, intramuscular (IM)], and levamisole + Tarantula cubensis extract (concurrently). All animals used in the study were monitored for three months at an interval of 15 days. No regression was detected in the papillomas of the control group animals, but recovery was recorded in animals treated with ivermectin at a rate of 70% (7/10), while it was 60% (6/10) in those treated with T. cubensis extract, 100% (10/10) in those treated with autovaccine, 50% (5/10) in those treated with levamisole, and 90% (9/10) in those treated with the combination of T. cubensis extract + levamisole. Significant differences were found between the control group and all treatment groups. Recovery mostly occurred within 45-60 days (P < 0.05). The five treatment modalities applied for the treatment of bovine cutaneous papillomatosis were statistically evaluated and all methods of treatment were effective at different rates. The most precise and effective treatment method was the autovaccine one.

Dispersive optical solitons and conservation laws of Radhakrishnan-Kundu-Lakshmanan equation with dual-power law nonlinearity.

The current paper implements three elegant approaches to recover a complete spectrum of optical solitons to the Radhakrishnan-Kundu-Lakshmanan equation with dual-power law of nonlinear refractive index. The conservation laws are also recovered by the usage of multipliers approach. The parameter constraints for the existence of such solitons are also enumerated. The numerical simulations of the recovered soliton solutions are also presented.

Molecular characterisation of ovine herpesvirus type 2 (OvHV-2) in Turkey.

In this study, the physical examination of 22 cattle revealed clinical signs of malignant catarrhal fever (MCF). Peripheral blood leukocyte (PBL) samples of the 22 cattle, and nasal (n = 7) and conjunctival (n = 9) swab samples from 16 sheep from two different farms, were taken for laboratory examination. The clinical diagnosis of MCF in cows was confirmed by the detection of ovine herpesvirus type 2 (OvHV-2) DNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). OvHV-2 DNA was detected by nested-PCR in PBL of one cow with clinical signs and nasal (1/7)-conjunctival(1/9) swab samples of two sheep housed in the same barn. According to the sequence analysis, three slightly divergent viruses were detected. The results indicate the need for additional research in different regions of Turkey to gain a better understanding of the incidence of MCF and its implications for the livestock industry.

The first evidence of zoonotic hepatitis E virus (HEV) exposure in domestic cats in Türkiye.

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection as a zoonotic disease virus has been thoroughly investigated in pigs around the world, but there have been few studies in pet animals. Although molecular and serological evidence suggests that numerous other animal species may act as HEV hosts in industrialized countries, domestic pigs and wild boars are the main reservoirs of HEV genotypes 3 and 4 for human infections. In this study, the sera of 91 household cats from Türkiye were studied by using serological (new generation enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA)) and molecular methods. HEV antibodies were determined with an overall prevalence of 5.4%. The seropositive distributions were (3.2%) in the 0-2 age group, 1 (1.09%) in the 2-8 age group, and 1 (1.09%) in the cats older than 8 years, despite the fact that there was no statistically significant difference across age and sex groups (p > 0.05). Viral RNA was not detected in the sera of the household cats using hemi-nested and nested RT-PCR. These findings show that cats in Türkiye have a low seroprevalence of HEV. Nevertheless, it is important in terms of detecting the presence of HEV antibodies in cats for the first time in Türkiye. More research is required to determine the effects of viruses belonging to the Hepeviridae family on cats, as well as their transmission to humans.

A serosurvey for bovine respirovirus 3 in Turkish domestic ruminants: The first comparison study of A and C genotypes.

Bovine parainfluenza virus-3 (BPIV-3), also known as bovine respirovirus 3, causes serious respiratory infection in ungulates, often involving other pathogens, such as viruses, bacteria and mycoplasmas. In this study, we evaluated antibody titers against virus genotypes A (BPIV-3a) and C (BPIV-3c). We conducted a serological survey and comparison analysis of archived serum samples from small and large ruminants reared in four Turkish provinces. A total of 1,307 samples, consisting of sheep (n = 444), cattle (n = 402), water buffalo (n = 261) and goat (n = 200) sera, were randomly selected from stock samples collected between 2015 and 2019 and screened by standard virus neutralisation assay. We found that 49.9% (653/1307) of all samples were positive for neutralising antibody titers. Goats had the highest titer, with total seropositivity of 63% (126/200), followed in descending order by cattle, sheep and water buffalo at 56.2% (226/402), 32.2% (143/444) and 26% (68/261) total seropositivity, respectively. BPIV-3c had the highest neutralising antibody rate at 34.3% (448/1307), whereas BPIV-3a had a 24.3% (317/1307) seropositivity rate. Neutralising antibody titers for positive samples ranged between 1/4 and 1/512 per the SN50 test. Seropositivity rates ranged from a low of 8.9% to a high of 18.3%. Our study was the first to compare antibody seroprevalence for two BPIV-3 genotypes in small and large domestic ruminants, which were shown to be more commonly exposed to BPIV-3c than BPIV-3a. This finding could have significant implications as current vaccines mainly use the BPIV-3a genotype. Further research can determine if current vaccines protect against different BPIV-3 virus genotypes.

The Cole Midfoot Osteotomy: Clinical and Radiographic Retrospective Review of Five Patients (Six Feet) with Different Etiologies.

BACKGROUND: Cole osteotomy is performed in patients having a cavus deformity with the apex of the deformity in the midfoot. Correction of the deformity at this midfoot level improves foot and ankle stability by creating a plantigrade foot. We retrospectively reviewed the clinical and radiographic results of six feet (five patients) that underwent Cole midfoot osteotomy (2011-2015). METHODS: The patients had different etiologies (spastic cerebral palsy, burn sequelae, spina bifida, and Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease). Dorsal and slightly laterally based transverse wedge osteotomy through the navicular bone medially and the cuboid bone laterally was performed. Patients were under routine clinical follow-up. We evaluated clinical and radiographic results. RESULTS: Mean clinical follow-up was 15.7 months (range, 6-36 months). The mean preoperative and postoperative talo-first metatarsal angles on lateral radiographs were 29.9° and 8.7°, respectively (P < .05) and on anteroposterior radiographs were 30.3° and 8.6° (P < .05). The mean preoperative talocalcaneal angle on anteroposterior radiographs increased from 19.2° to 29.8° postoperatively (P < .05). The mean postoperative calcaneal pitch angle change was 10.8° on the lateral radiograph (P < .05). At final follow-up, all five patients were independently active, had plantigrade feet, and were able to wear conventional shoes. The mean American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society questionnaire score was 38.8 preoperatively and 79.5 postoperatively (P < .05). Only one patient did not have full bony union. Achilles tightness was seen in one patient. CONCLUSIONS: Cole midfoot osteotomy is a laboring procedure to correct adult pes cavus deformity with the apex in midfoot, although having some complication risks.

The effect of dehydration and irrigation on the healing of Achilles tendon: an experimental study.

BACKGROUND: Air exposure is a factor that inhibits in vitro cellular proliferation and matrix synthesis in tendons. Aim of this experimental study was to evaluate effect of dehydration and irrigation on healing of Achilles tendon. METHODS: Achilles tenotomy was done in forty-five Sprague-Dawley rats. In control group, tendon was sutured immediately. In the remaining two groups, the Achilles tendons were allowed to direct exposure of air. Irrigation of Achilles tendon was performed in one of exposed groups, while irrigation was not done in other group. After 60 minutes, tendons of both groups were sutured same as control group. Rats were sacrificed at postoperative day 28. Achilles tendons were dissected and histological and biomechanical evaluations were performed. RESULTS: Histological evaluation revealed intense fibrosis formation with adhesion of tendon to surrounding tissues in the air exposed groups. The quantity of angiogenesis and inflammatory reaction were also higher in experimental groups regardless of irrigation. Air exposed tendons had higher tensile strength however lower stiffness than control group in biomechanical evaluation. CONCLUSION: Air exposure decreases quality of healing by increasing fibrosis and adherence formation. These negative effects of exposure to air were not counteracted by irrigation. However, air exposure didn't affect tensile strength of the healing.

[The effect of slip grade and chronicity on the development of femur avascular necrosis in surgically treated slipped capital femoral epiphyses]. / Cerrahi tedavi uygulanmis femur basi epifiz kaymasinda kayma derecesi ve kronik veya akut olmasinin avasküler nekroz gelisimi üzerine etkisi.

OBJECTIVES: We investigated the relationship between the grade and chronicity (acute-chronic) of the slip and the development of avascular necrosis (AVN) of the femoral head after surgery for slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE). METHODS: The study included 424 hips of 269 patients (174 boys, 95 girls; mean age 12 years) who underwent surgery for SCFE and had a minimum follow-up period of one year. The patients were classified according to the severity and chronicity of the slipping using the Southwick classification. The relationship of the slip severity and chronicity with the development of AVN was statistically evaluated. RESULTS: Involvement was unilateral in 114 patients, and bilateral in 155 patients. The mean follow-up period was 32.9 months. The hips were classified as grade I to II in 267 hips (63%), 120 hips (28.3%), and 37 hips (8.7%), respectively. The symptoms were acute in 130 hips (30.7%), and chronic in 294 hips (69.3%). The incidence of AVN was 4.5% (19 hips; 13 in unilateral cases, 6 in bilateral cases). In logistic regression analysis, a strong correlation was found between the grade of the slip and the development of AVN (odds ratio 10.27; p<0.0001). The acute nature of the slip was also correlated with the development of AVN, but this relation was weaker (odds ratio 0.20, p<0.01). CONCLUSION: A strong correlation is present between the slipping grade and the development of AVN in SCFE, requiring a closer observation of patients having a high grade slipping in terms of AVN risk. The acute nature of the symptoms represents another risk factor for AVN.

Accessory Lesser Metatarsal Sesamoids in All of the Metatarsophalangeal JointsA Case Report.

Lesser metatarsal sesamoids are one of the most common accessory bones of the foot and are most commonly seen at the fifth metatarsophalangeal joint. They are rarely seen in other metatarsophalangeal joints. In the literature, there are reports of solitary accessory sesamoid bones seen at lesser metatarsophalangeal joints. We report the case of a 68-year-old woman with lesser metatarsal sesamoids accompanying all of the metatarsophalangeal joints.

The effect of proteolytic enzyme serratiopeptidase in the treatment of experimental implant-related infection.

BACKGROUND: Infection around an implanted orthopaedic device is a devastating complication, and the treatment of infections involving slime-forming bacteria is especially difficult. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a proteolytic enzyme, serratiopeptidase, in the eradication of a periprosthetic infection in an in vivo animal model. METHODS: In sixty Sprague-Dawley rats, the medullary canal of the right femur was drilled through the intercondylar notch and was inoculated with a Staphylococcus epidermidis strain (ATCC 35984) with a high slime-producing capacity. The cavity was filled with polymethylmethacrylate cement, and a Kirschner wire that had contact with the knee joint was inserted. None of the animals received any treatment for two weeks. Twenty rats were killed at two weeks after the inoculation in order to determine if the infection had become established. The remaining forty rats were randomized into two groups. One group received serratiopeptidase enzyme injections into the knee joint in addition to antibiotic therapy for four weeks, and the other group received intra-articular saline solution injections together with the same antibiotic therapy. The animals from both groups were killed two weeks after the end of therapy (on Day 56). The knee specimens were evaluated bacteriologically and histologically to determine the prevalence of persistent infection and the effects of the enzyme on local tissue. RESULTS: At two weeks, inoculated bacteria grew on culture of specimens from twelve (63.2%) of nineteen animals in the no-treatment group. Microbiological testing suggested that infection persisted in only one (5.6%) of eighteen animals in the serratiopeptidase-and-antibiotic group, whereas it was present in six (37.5%) of sixteen animals in the antibiotic-only group (p = 0.001). Histological evaluation showed similar results (kappa = 0.92). CONCLUSIONS: Serratiopeptidase was effective for eradicating infection caused by biofilm-forming bacteria in this experimental animal model. The antibiofilm property of the enzyme may enhance antibiotic efficacy in the treatment of staphylococcal infections.