Influence of capillary multifilament sutures on the antibacterial action of inflammatory cells in infected wounds.

Implants of two capillary multifilament suture materials, braided polyester and twisted polyamide with cover, in tissue infected with Staphylococcus aureus were studied with light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. In the tissue around both suture materials there was a pronounced inflammatory cell reaction. Staphylococci were found between the filaments of both materials. Some ingrowth of granulation tissue with inflammatory cells close to the exterior thread surface was seen in braided polyester suture. No such infiltration was seen in the suture consisting of twisted polyamide with cover. Bacteriologic studies showed faster elimination of staphylococci from the braided polyester than from the twisted polyamide implants. The capacity of leukocytes to penetrate into a capillary multifilament material presumably is dependent on the structure of the suture thread. Bacteria which are enclosed in the interstices of multifilament suture material, and protected from the phagocytic activity of leukocytes, can sustain and prolong an infection.