BACKGROUND: To show effectiveness of linezolid, teicoplanin and vancomycin in a vascular graft infection model. 

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifty rats were divided into 5 groups. A polytetrafluoroethylene graft was implanted on the back of each rat. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strain was inoculated into all rats except Group 1. Group 2 was not given any treatment, Group 3 received linezolid, Group 4 received vancomycin, and Group 5 received teicoplanin. The grafts were removed for microbiological and histological examinations on the 7th day. In addition, C-reactive protein and prealbumin levels and leukocyte counts in obtained blood specimens were determined.

RESULTS: Group 1 did not have infection. Group 2 had bacteria 5.7×10^4 CFU/cm^2. Group 3 and Group 4 had less bacterial growth. Group 5 had no bacterial growth. The number of bacteria was significantly higher in Group 2 than in the other experimental groups and the control group (p<0.001). Although there was no bacterial growth in Group 5, it did not significantly differ from Group 3 and Group 4. Group 2 had a significantly higher CRP level and leukocyte count and a significantly lower prealbumin level than the other groups.

CONCLUSIONS: Linezolid, teicoplanin, and vancomycin are effective in prevention of prosthetic vascular graft infections.

Keywords: C-Reactive Protein - metabolism, Leukocytes - pathology, Linezolid - therapeutic use, Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus - physiology, Polytetrafluoroethylene - adverse effects, Prealbumin - metabolism, Prosthesis-Related Infections - prevention & control, Teicoplanin - therapeutic use, Vancomycin - therapeutic use