Unique Antimicrobial Effects of Platelet‐Rich Plasma and Its Efficacy as a Prophylaxis to Prevent Implant‐Associated Spinal Infection

Abstract

Platelet-rich-plasma (PRP) has attracted great attention and has been increasingly used for a variety of clinical applications including orthopaedic surgeries, periodontal and oral surgeries, maxillofacial surgeries, plastic surgeries, and sports medicine. However, very little is known about the antimicrobial activities of PRP. In this study, PRP is found to have antimicrobial properties both in vitro and in vivo. In vitro, the antimicrobial properties of PRP have been found to be bacterial strain specific and time specific: PRP has significantly (80–100 fold reduction in colony forming units) inhibited the growth of methicillin sensitive and methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Group A streptococcus, and Neisseria gonorrhoeae within the first few hours but it has no significant antimicrobial properties against E. coli and Pseudomonas. The antimicrobial properties of PRP also depend on the concentration of thrombin. In vivo, an implant-associated spinal infection rabbit model has been established and used to evaluate the antimicrobial and wound healing properties of PRP. Compared to the infection controls, PRP treatment has resulted in significant reduction in bacterial colonies in bone samples at all time points studied (i.e. 1, 2, and 3 weeks) and significant increase in mineralized tissues (thereby better bone healing) at post-operative weeks 2 and 3. PRP therefore may be a useful adjunct strategy against post-operative implant-associated infections.

Antiviral Resistance of Splenocytes in Aged Mice

“…In contrary to Li et al (2013) study, PPP has demonstrated antimicrobial effect. However, a greater susceptibility for activated PRP was observed.…”

“…The reasons for the inconsistency between their results and the results of the current study may be explained by differences in the bacterial isolates and the increased frequency of antimicrobial use in mi nor surgical procedures which may lead to increased antimicrobial resistance in our population. Additionally, in the current study, CaCl2, which may have a weaker and more prolonged activation time, has been used for activation instead of thrombin (Li et al, 2013). Moreover, the different protocol used for PRP preparation can lead to products with different cellular components and biological characteristics.…”

Differential responses of osteoblasts and macrophages upon Staphylococcus aureus infection

“…Osteoblasts were then collected by centrifugation at 1200 rpm at 4°C for 7 min, and the pellet was washed twice with PBS. Slides were then prepared as previously reported [[63]]. In brief, osteoblasts were fixed with 2% paraformaldehyde and 4% glutaraldehyde mixed with 0.075 M PBS for 30 min at room temperature.…”

Improving the ability to eliminate wounds and pressure ulcers

“…The antimicrobial action of PRP involves human beta defensin‐3, which is released in bactericidal concentrations, and to functionally active complement . The antimicrobial activity of PRP is influenced by how the fibrin sealant and thrombin are prepared, and on the concentration of thrombin used . However, it must be noted that the application of thrombin alone to skin flaps increases their necrosis …”

“…64 The antimicrobial activity of PRP is influenced by how the fibrin sealant 65 and thrombin are prepared, 66 and on the concentration of thrombin used. 67 However, it must be noted that the application of thrombin alone to skin flaps increases their necrosis. 68 PRP promotes tissue granulation, synthesis of extracellular matrix, tissue formation, and the inflammatory phase of the wound healing process in healthy and healing-impaired animal models and clinical trials.…”