BACKGROUND: Rigid internal fixation (RIF) technology is a recently developed fracture fixation technique in which use of specific antibiotics before and after the operation and timely treatment of local infections is necessary.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: The bacteriocins were isolated from Lactobacillus rhamnosus L34. Twenty-four New Zealand White female rabbits were divided into 2 groups: bacteriocins and control group. After mandible fracture fixation, the rabbits were infected with S. aureus and subsequently injected with either bacteriocins or saline. The biofilm samples were harvested from rabbits euthanized on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th days and observed using a fluorescence microscope. Blood samples were collected at 1 h, 12 h, 1 day, 3 days, and 5 days after the injection of either bacteriocin or saline to test the level of C-reactive protein and TNF-α.

RESULTS: Significant differences in the biofilm formation were evident between the bacteriocins and saline treatment group on days 1, 3, and 5. Moreover, the serum levels of TNF-α and CRP after treatment with bacteriocins were significantly lower than in controls.

CONCLUSIONS: Use of bacteriocins isolated from Lactobacillus rhamnosus L34 may be a promising way to control infections of mandible fracture after internal fixation in vivo.

Keywords: Bacteriocins, Biofilms, Mandible, Staphylococcus aureus