title: Microbial colonization of pancreatic duct stents: a prospective analysis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of the study was to analyze the microbial colonization rate as well as the spectrum and number of microorganisms in relation to the indwelling time of pancreatic stents.
  
  
  METHODS
  Forty pancreatic stents were prepared according to a standardized protocol and subsequently sonicated to optimize bacterial release from the biofilm on the stents.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Two hundred forty-six microorganisms were identified. Thirty-nine of 40 stents were colonized with microorganisms. Aerobic gram-positive microorganisms (106/246 [43%]) accounted for the greatest proportion. The predominant microorganisms were Streptococcus species (46/246 [19%]), which were isolated from 27 (68%) of 40 stents. Stents with a short indwelling time (3-13 days) were mainly colonized with aerobic gram-positive bacteria (82%) and Candida species (63%). In contrast, anaerobes (P < 0.01, 69% vs 18%) and aerobic gram-negative microorganisms (P < 0.01, 93% vs 45%) such as Enterobacteriaceae (P < 0.01, 86% vs 27%) were significantly more present on stents with a long indwelling time (29-93 days), compared with stents with a short indwelling time.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Microbial analysis of pancreatic duct stents revealed a very high colonization rate. Furthermore, the spectrum and number of microorganisms altered with the indwelling time of the stent. However, clinical relevance of our findings remains unclear.
authors.affiliation: From the *II. Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München; †Institut für Mikrobiologie, Immunologie und Hygiene, Technische Universität München; and ‡Klinik für Orthopädie und Sportorthopädie, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, München, Germany.
authors.forename: Jochen
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Schneider
authors.forename: Philipp
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Schenk
authors.forename: Andreas
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Obermeier
authors.forename: Julia
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Fremd
authors.forename: Susanne
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Feihl
authors.forename: Stefanie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Forkl
authors.forename: Nina
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Wantia
authors.forename: Franziska
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Römmler
authors.forename: Bruno
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Neu
authors.forename: Monther
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bajbouj
authors.forename: Stefan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: von Delius
authors.forename: Roland M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Schmid
authors.forename: Hana
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Algül
authors.forename: Andreas
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Weber
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001419:Bacteria / Q000145:classification / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D018441:Biofilms; D002760:Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Retrograde / Q000295:instrumentation*; D020878:Device Removal; D004866:Equipment Contamination; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010183:Pancreatic Ducts / Q000601:surgery*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013010:Sonication; D015607:Stents / Q000382:microbiology*; D013997:Time Factors; D055815:Young Adult