Cellular fibronectin and tenascin in an orbital nylon prosthesis removed because of infection caused by Staphylococcus aureus.

An orbital nylon prosthesis was removed because of an infection caused by Staphylococcus aureus that was resistant to antimicrobials. It was processed for histopathology and immunohistochemistry. Within 3 weeks the implant had an extensive ingrowth of fibrovascular tissue containing chronic inflammatory cells, foreign body giant cells, and myofibroblasts. By using the indirect immunofluorescent method, this tissue was found to react with monoclonal antibodies (Mabs) against extradomain A of cellular fibronectin (EDA-cFN) and tenascin (TN). The presence of EDA-cFN and TN within the implant are indicative of an active healing process, since both of these proteins, scarce in adult tissues, have been shown to be reexpressed during tissue regeneration. The findings suggest that fibronectin plays a definite role in bacterial adherence and foreign body infections.