Biofilm formation on biomaterials used in hernia surgery

Deep surgical site infection (DSSI) in patients undergoing hernioplasty with implantation of biomaterials is a complication taking place with biofilm formation. Despite the indicated increase in the frequency of isolation of S. aureus and E. coli bacteria as etiological factors of DSSI, there have been few studies published so far that evaluated biofilm formation by these microorganisms on the surface of different biomaterials. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare biofilm formation on the surface of biomaterials used in hernia surgery by clinical isolates of S. aureus and E. coli. 70 strains of S. aureus and E. coli were used; they differed in chromosomal DNA within the species. The evaluation of biofilm formation on the surface of the monofilament polypropylene mesh, multifilament mesh (polypropylene, polyester and composite) and a patch of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene was made using qualitative and quantitative methods and by means of a scanning electron microscope. The strains differ in terms of biofilm formation within the species. Strains of S. aureus formed a biofilm more strongly than E. coli. The investigated strains formed biofilm stronger on the surface of the multifilament implants than on polypropylene monofilament mesh. Formation of biofilm by clinical isolates of S. aureus and E. coli on the surface of biomaterials used in hernia surgery varies depending on the strain and species of bacteria as well as the structure and the hydrophobicity of biomaterial.