Biodynamics of biofilm formation on nasogastric tubes in elderly patients.
BACKGROUND
We previously reported on the high propensity of pathogenic oral flora in the oropharynx of nasogastric tube-fed patients, and subsequently showed biofilm formation on the NGTs of these patients. There is a close relationship of biofilm and oropharyngeal colonization with pathogenic bacteria, aspiration pneumonia and antibiotic resistance.


OBJECTIVE
To investigate the time relation between the insertion of a new NGT and formation of the biofilm.


METHODS
We examined sequential samples on NGTs that were forcibly pulled out by the patients themselves during any of the 7 days after insertion. Scanning electron micrography and confocal laser scanning microscopy were used for biofilm detection.


RESULTS
Biofilm was identified on 60% of the five samples of day 1 and on all the samples of the following days, by both microscopic methods.


CONCLUSIONS
Biofilms form within a single day on most NGTs inserted for the feeding of elderly patients with dysphagia. Further research should be devoted to prevention of biofilm formation on NGTs.
Leibovitz
Arthur
A
Shmuel Harofeh Hospital, Geriatric Medical Center, Beer Yaakov, Israel.
Baumoehl
Yehuda
Y
Steinberg
Doron
D
Segal
Refael
R
D000368:Aged; D018441:Biofilms; D003680:Deglutition Disorders; D003704:Dementia; D004750:Enteral Nutrition / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004866:Equipment Contamination; D016330:Frail Elderly; D005853:Geriatrics; D006090:Gram-Negative Bacteria / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000302:isolation & purification; D006094:Gram-Positive Bacteria / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000302:isolation & purification; D006782:Hospitals, Special; D006801:Humans; D007441:Intubation, Gastrointestinal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation*; D007557:Israel; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D009910:Oral Hygiene; D009960:Oropharynx / Q000382:microbiology*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors