This thesis is an investigation of methods to remediate methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MRSP) biofilms through conventional and microfluidic-based in vitro assays. MRSP biofilm related infections are a major concern for veterinary clinicians as they may complicate remediation by the immune system or antimicrobials. Novel antimicrobials that have been found to reduce biofilm growth in other staphylococci were assessed in both mono- and combination therapy against MRSP biofilm. Quantitative assay results (p < 0.05) suggest fosfomycin alone and in combination with clarithromycin can significantly reduce biofilm formation. Morphological examination using scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy further demonstrated the effectiveness of fosfomycin alone on biofilm formation on orthopaedic screws and mica sheets. Fabricated microfluidic assays were utilized to assess multiple concentrations of antimicrobial therapy against pre-formed biofilm under physiologically relevant conditions in a quick and repeatable manner. Results demonstrated the usefulness of microfluidic platforms in determining minimum biofilm eradication concentrations.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:LACETR/oai:collectionscanada.gc.ca:OGU.10214/6663 |
| Date | 09 May 2013 |
| Creators | DiCicco, Matthew |
| Contributors | Neethirajan, Suresh |
| Source Sets | Library and Archives Canada ETDs Repository / Centre d'archives des thèses électroniques de Bibliothèque et Archives Canada |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
| Rights | http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.5/ca/ |
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