Bacterial Affinity for Hydrophobic Ligands can be Employed in the Treatment of Infected Wounds in Patients

Summary

Thirty-two infected wounds (diabetic, arteriosclerotic, postoperative or posttraumatic leg ulcers and ulcerated leucemic infiltrates) in 31 patients were treated with Sorbact 10⁵, a new wound dressing consisting of gauze pads containing hydrophobized cellulose having affinity for bacteria with hydrophobic surface receptors, e.g. Staphylococcus aureus and several streptococci. In 69% of the wounds signs of infection disappeared during treatment and in 31% wounds deteriorated or remained unchanged. Median treatment time was nine days. No serious adverse effects were seen. Sorbact 10⁵ was favoured by the nurse staff in that it was quick and easy to apply and softened even sticky wound debris.