Antibacterial effects of bacteriocins isolated from Lactobacillus rhamnosus (xATCC 53103) in a rabbit model of knee implant infection

Infection following orthopedic surgery is a major complication that can have serious implications on patient health. The present study aimed to investigate the antibacterial effects of bacteriocins obtained from Lactobacillus rhamnosus on a rabbit model of Staphylococcus aureus infection following knee replacement surgery. Blood samples were collected 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 days after bacteriocin injection, and C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin (IL)-6 levels were measured using commercial ELISA kits. In addition, biofilm formation was evaluated by fluorescence microscopy. Bacteriocins were identified to exhibit significant inhibitory effects on Staphylococcus aureus biofilm formation, and on CRP and IL-6 levels in the serum, following surgery and infection (all P<0.05 vs. the control group). The results of the present study indicate that bacteriocins are a potential agent for the prevention of orthopedic postoperative infections.