Microbial flora of cochlear implants by gene pyrosequencing.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the microbial flora associated with cochlear implants (CIs) removed for infectious and noninfectious indications.


METHODS
Prospective, controlled.


METHODS
Academic, tertiary medical center.


METHODS
All patients undergoing CI removal.


METHODS
CIs were removed with aseptic technique and processed for microbial identification.


METHODS
CI microbes were identified with routine culture and speciation and 16s deoxyribonucleic acid 454-pyrosequencing.


RESULTS
All CIs had evidence of microbes. Propionibacterium acnes and Acidovorax facilis were more common on noninfected CIs (p = 0.005, 0.031). Staphylococcus aureus was more common on infected CIs (p = 0.003). The microbial profiles associated with CI infection were different from, but overlapped with those of noninfected CIs. Microbial culture with selective media identified pathogens not identified on pyrosequencing.


CONCLUSIONS
Bacteria are present on all CIs, both with and without evidence of clinical infection, but species differ with clinical status. Empiric therapy for CI infections should include coverage for S. aureus. Gene pyrosequencing and selective culture techniques may yield complementary results that may impact the management of CI infections.
Department of Otolaryngology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610-0264, USA. pa@ufl.edu
Patrick J
PJ
Antonelli
Carolyn P
CP
Ojano-Dirain
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000382:microbiology; D018441:Biofilms; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003054:Cochlear Implants / Q000382:microbiology*; D004269:DNA, Bacterial / Q000235:genetics; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D020878:Device Removal; D007758:Ear, Inner / Q000382:microbiology; D005260:Female; D005798:Genes, Bacterial / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D059346:Magnets; D008297:Male; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D008875:Middle Aged; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D011425:Propionibacterium acnes; D016459:Prosthesis-Related Infections / Q000382:microbiology*; D012307:Risk Factors; D017422:Sequence Analysis, DNA; D013211:Staphylococcus aureus; D055815:Young Adult
D004269:DNA, Bacterial