Reduction of a Multidrug-Resistant Pathogen and Associated Virulence Factors in a Burn Wound Infection Model: Further Understanding of the Effectiveness of a Hydroconductive Dressing

Objective: Drawtex’s ability to remove pathogens and associated virulence factors has been demonstrated in vitro. A model of burn wound infection was used to characterize the in vivo impact of this dressing on infection and wound healing. Methods: Paired burn wounds were created on the dorsum of Sprague Dawley rats and were inoculated with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Animals were divided into 2 groups, half with wounds that received experimental dressing and the remaining half with control dressing-treated wounds. Dressings remained in place through 3, 6, 9, or 14 days after injury, and methicillin-resistant S aureus and virulence factors were quantified. Laser Doppler imaging was used to examine wound perfusion, and local host immune response was assessed through the quantification of mRNA expression. Results: By day 3, less methicillin-resistant S aureus was measured in wounds treated with experimental-dressing compared to control-dressing wounds. Quantities remained lower in the experimental group through day 14 (P <.001). More methicillin-resistant S aureus was quantified in the experimental dressing itself than in control dressing at all time points (P <.05). Experimental dressing-treated wounds contained less toxic shoc