Preliminary results of a novel quorum sensing inhibitor against pneumococcal infection and biofilm formation with special interest to otitis media and cochlear implantation

Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2015 Jun;272(6):1389-93. doi: 10.1007/s00405-014-2942-5. Epub 2014 Feb 26.

Abstract

The purpose of the study is to assess the effect of a novel quorum sensing inhibitor (QSI), coded as 'yd 47', against otitis media and biofilm formation on Cochlear implants (CIs). Small pieces cut from cochlear implant were implanted under the skin in the retroauricular area on both sides of four guinea pigs. The implant pieces in the study and control sides were implanted in Streptococcus pneumoniae strain solution and saline, respectively. The right and left middle ears were also instilled with a solution containing pneumococci and saline, respectively. The animals were only given an intraperitoneal 'yd 47' twice daily for three months to be assessed later with electron microscopy. Clinical examination with palpation, inspection and otoscopy did not reveal any sign of implant infection or otitis media. In the study and control implant materials, soft tissues around the implant and tympanic membranes, there was no biofilm formation by pneumococci. Contamination by various cells and some rod-shaped bacteria (not diplococcic) were seen in some of the materials. In conclusion, the novel QSI seems promising in the prevention of otitis media and biofilm formation on CIs by pneumococci.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology*
  • Biofilms* / drug effects
  • Biofilms* / growth & development
  • Cochlear Implantation / adverse effects*
  • Cochlear Implantation / methods
  • Cochlear Implants / microbiology
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Ear, Middle / microbiology
  • Guinea Pigs
  • Otitis Media / etiology
  • Otitis Media / microbiology
  • Otitis Media / prevention & control
  • Otoscopy / methods
  • Pneumococcal Infections* / microbiology
  • Pneumococcal Infections* / prevention & control
  • Quorum Sensing / drug effects*
  • Streptococcus pneumoniae / physiology*

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents