Effect of Biofilm on Chronic Wound Infection

Biofilms, a layer of multifactorial symbionts that form on wound surfaces, are a common cause of chronic infection. Managing biofilms is a key approach to treating chronic wound infections, and this article describes how to manage biofilms and prevent chronic wound infections.

How are biofilms formed?

When bacteria form a biofilm on a wound surface, they are protected in a sticky polysaccharide matrix that wards off an attack from the immune system, antibiotics, and other treatments. Bacterial strains in biofilms can cooperate with each other to form complex cell populations that can influence the surrounding environment.

To detect biofilm?

Wounds in which biofilm is present are typically characterized by being dark, odorous, exudate, and slow to heal. These are all signs of a wound indicating the presence of a bacterial polysaccharide matrix. In addition, the presence of biofilms can also be detected by bacterial culture methods.

To manage biofilms :

1. Physical removal: Use physical means such as wipers, solvents, and ultrasound to remove biofilms. This is a non-invasive treatment, but special care is required to avoid re-injury.

2. Chemical treatment: use acid, chlorine, iodine, and other disinfectants, or use antibiotics to kill bacteria and destroy the structure of biofilm. However, antibiotics may induce the development of resistant strains.

3. Biological treatment: use probiotics, such as lactic acid bacteria and yeast, to increase the number of non-pathogenic bacteria on the wound surface and inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria.

4. Physical therapy: use laser, controlled compression, electric field, and sound waves to destroy the bacterial polysaccharide matrix.

How to prevent chronic infection?

1. Keep the wound hygienic: gently wash the wound with normal saline every day to ensure that there is no dust, sand, or other dirt around the wound. Repeated cleaning can prevent infection from remaining in the wound and reduce the possibility of infection.

2. You can use Silver Ion Dressing：which is one of the common ways to prevent and treat chronic wound infections. Dressings containing silver release silver ions, which are effective at killing bacteria and other microorganisms, including drug-resistant strains. It also promotes healing when the silver dressing combines with secretions from the wound surface to form a gel that maintains a moist environment and helps promote blood clotting and healing on the wound surface while reducing pain and redness. And the silver-containing dressing can be cut into various sizes and shapes, which can adapt to wounds of different sizes and shapes. At the same time, the silver dressing can be used in a single layer or in multiple layers, and it can be adjusted according to the depth and condition of the wound, with the purpose of enhancing the liquid absorption performance of the dressing.

3. Avoid contact with sources of infection: the suppurative bacteria at the wound may come from bacteria, dust, and other dirt, so contact with these substances should be avoided.

4. Eat a healthy diet: Maintaining a healthy diet and getting enough vitamins and minerals can help strengthen the immune system and improve the body's resistance to infection.

5. Strengthen exercise: Appropriate exercise can not only promote the body's metabolism but also enhance the function of the immune system and help prevent chronic wound infections.

6. Pay attention to hypoglycemia: hypoglycemia can lead to a decline in immune system function, so it is necessary to keep blood sugar levels stable and correct hypoglycemia in time.

7. Dealing with other health problems: chronic diseases, low resistance, drug allergies, and other conditions will increase the risk of chronic infection and infection recurrence, so these problems should be treated and controlled as much as possible.

In summary, preventing chronic wound infection requires maintaining a healthy lifestyle, addressing other health issues promptly, and maintaining cleanliness and hygiene around the wound. Consult a physician or healthcare professional if necessary.

For more information on Innomed® Silver Ion Dressing, refer to the previous articles. If you have customized needs, you are welcome to contact us; we will serve you wholeheartedly.

At Longterm Medical, we transform this data by innovating and developing products that make life easier for those who need loving care.

Editor: kiki Jia

Date: March 31, 2023