A theoretical exploration of protocols for treating prosthetic joint infections with combinations of antibiotics and bacteriophage (phage)

Abstract

With the increase in the placement of prosthetic joints and other hardware in the body has come an increase in associated infections. These infections are particularly difficult to treat due to the underlying bacteria generating matrices which resist clearance by immune system effectors or antibiotics. These matrices, biofilms, have two primary ways of being eradicated, either by physical removal by debridement or by killing the underlying bacteria. The viruses which kill bacteria, bacteriophage, are readily capable of entering into biofilms and eradicating the bacteria therein. Therefore, bacteriophage have therapeutic potential as a supplement to antibiotics for the treatment of prosthetic joint infections. In this investigation, we generate a mathematical-computer simulation model to explore the contributions of the innate immune system with antibiotics, bacteriophage, and the joint action thereof in the control of biofilm-associated infections. Our results question the proposition that bacteriophage are an effective addition in the treatment of prosthetic joint infections.