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Canadian journal of microbiology2009; 55(2); 197-202; doi: 10.1139/w08-115

Biofilm evidence and the microbial diversity of horse wounds.

Abstract: Evidence of biofilms in human chronic wounds are thought to be responsible for preventing healing in a timely manner. However, biofilm evidence in horse wounds has not yet been documented. Consequently, this study aimed to determine whether biofilms could be detected in wounds, and to investigate the microbiology of chronic wounds in horses. Prior to analysis, wound surfaces were irrigated with 5 mL of sterile saline to remove debris. All wounds were swabbed twice (1 cm2 area) using sterile cotton-tipped swabs. In addition to this, 2 tissue biopsies were taken to investigate evidence of biofilm and the microbiology richness of the wounds. All swabs and 1 biopsy sample were transported to the laboratory in Robertson's cooked meat broth. Traditional culturable techniques and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis with PCR were utilized to identify common bacteria isolated in all wounds. Following analysis of a number of the biopsy samples, biofilms could be clearly seen. The most common bacteria isolated from each wound analysed included Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Serratia marcescens, Enterococcus faecalis, and Providencia rettgeri. Sequencing of the 16S ribosmonal DNAs, selected on the basis of DGGE profiling, enabled identification of bacterial species not identified using culturable technology. This study is the first to identify biofilms in the chronic wounds of horses. In addition, this study also demonstrated the importance of combining DGGE-PCR with culture techniques to provide better microbiology analysis of chronic wounds.
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Publication Date: 2009-03-20 PubMed ID: 19295652DOI: 10.1139/w08-115Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research article investigates the presence of biofilms in chronic wounds of horses and explores the microbial diversity found in these wounds. The study identifies biofilms in horse wounds for the first time and highlights the importance of combining different analytical techniques for a thorough microbiological examination.

Objective and Methodology

  • The primary aim of the research was to determine whether biofilms, which are known to impede healing in human chronic wounds, could also be detected in the wounds of horses. Furthermore, the researchers sought to investigate the microbial diversity in these chronic wounds.
  • Prior to analysis, all wounds were cleaned with a sterile saline solution and swabbed twice using sterile cotton-tipped swabs. Two tissue biopsies were also performed to provide more extensive data about the microbial environment and potential evidence of biofilms.
  • All samples were transported to a lab in a particular broth known as Robertson’s cooked meat broth. At the lab, traditional culture-based techniques, along with denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) combined with polymerase chain reaction (PCR), were used to isolate and identify the bacteria present in the wounds.

Findings and Conclusions

  • An analysis of the biopsy samples revealed clear evidence of biofilms, marking the first time biofilms have been found in horse chronic wounds. This discovery suggests that, like in humans, biofilms may affect the healing process in horses.
  • The most commonly isolated bacteria were Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Serratia marcescens, Enterococcus faecalis, and Providencia rettgeri. These bacteria could potentially influence the wound healing process in horses significantly, indicating areas for further investigation.
  • Using DGGE-PCR in conjunction with traditional culture techniques, allowed for a more comprehensive microbiological analysis of the wounds. The study underscores the essential role of these combined techniques in studying chronic wounds. Furthermore, the use of 16S ribosomal DNA sequencing, based on DGGE profiles, enabled the identification of additional bacterial species that were not detected using culture techniques alone.
  • Overall, the findings suggest that a more comprehensive approach to wound analysis and microbiology is essential, with DGGE-PCR and culture techniques offering complementary benefits. The presence of biofilms indicates a potential avenue for further research, as do the various bacterial species identified.

Cite This Article

APA
Freeman K, Woods E, Welsby S, Percival SL, Cochrane CA. (2009). Biofilm evidence and the microbial diversity of horse wounds. Can J Microbiol, 55(2), 197-202. https://doi.org/10.1139/w08-115

Publication

Canadian journal of microbiology
ISSN: 0008-4166
NlmUniqueID: 0372707
Country: Canada
Language: English
Volume: 55
Issue: 2
Pages: 197-202

Researcher Affiliations

Freeman, Karen
  • University of Liverpool, Department of Veterinary Clinical Science, Leahurst, Neston, South Wirral-CH64-7TE, UK.
Woods, Emma
    Welsby, Sarah
      Percival, Steven L
        Cochrane, Christine A

          MeSH Terms

          • Animals
          • Bacteria / classification
          • Bacteria / genetics
          • Bacteria / isolation & purification
          • Bacterial Physiological Phenomena
          • Bacterial Typing Techniques
          • Biodiversity
          • Biofilms
          • DNA, Bacterial / genetics
          • DNA, Ribosomal / genetics
          • Horses / injuries
          • Horses / microbiology
          • Molecular Sequence Data
          • RNA, Ribosomal, 16S / genetics
          • Wounds and Injuries / microbiology

          Citations

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