The eradication of bacteria from the breast implant surface is very challenging. First, there's a physical barrier constructed by the bacterial biofilm extracellular polysaccharide coat, which physically prevents antibiotics from getting to the bacteria themselves. Second, we know that the parenchyma of the breast is laden with bacteria. There can therefore be the translocation of endogenous bacteria over time to the breast implant surface, well after any sort of no-touch technique or antibiotic irrigation or intravenous antibiotic had been administered. And then finally, the bacteria themselves can acquire antimicrobial resistance factors over time. For example, MEK-A and MEK-C mediate the methicillin resistance shown in Staphylococcus aureus. And in addition, extended spectrum beta-lactamases and carbapenemases increase gram-negative antibiotic resistance.

bacterial biofilm

antimicrobial resistance

breast implant

Staphylococcus aureus

antibiotic resistance