title: Comparative evaluation of MicroDTTect device and flocked swabs in the diagnosis of prosthetic and orthopaedic infections.
abstract: The evolution of new prosthetic and osteosynthetic devices has led to more surgical indications, and this is accompanied by an increased incidence of septic complications in orthopaedic and trauma surgery in the general population. The strategy for choosing surgical or therapeutic (conservative) treatment is based on the identification of the pathogen: knowledge of the aetiological agents is an essential element in the decision-making process to ensure the most effective treatment is administered. The pathogen also needs to be considered in the challenging case of doubtful infection, where perhaps the only sign is inflammation, for a more accurate prediction of progression to either sepsis or healing. Biofilm-related infections and low-grade infections may fall into this category. Biofilm slows the metabolism of microorganisms and prolongs their survival, which renders them resistant to antibiotics. Moreover, when microorganisms are embedded in the biofilm they are poorly recognised by the immune system and the infection becomes chronic. As recently demonstrated, isolation and identification of bacteria in biofilm is difficult as the bacteria are concealed. The development of an effective means of sample collection and laboratory methods that can dislodge bacteria from prosthetic surfaces has therefore become necessary. The primary aim of the study was to evaluate the reliability of an innovative technology (MicroDTTect), specifically applied to collect and transport explanted samples (prostheses, osteosynthetic devices, biological tissues), and compare with flocked swabs. The MicroDTTect system is quick and simple to use and, most importantly, is a closed system that is totally sterile and safe for the patient being treated. It contains a specific concentration of dithiotreitol (DTT) that can dislodge bacteria from the biofilm adhering to prosthetic surfaces. The numbers of positive and negative samples were measured to compare the MicroDTTect methodology with swab collection in 30 procedures. The results showed that MicroDTTect had a higher sensitivity compared to swabs (77% and 46%, respectively), and was associated with more positive results than swabs (35% and 20%, respectively). These preliminary results show that MicroDTTect is superior to swab collection for bacterial identification in orthopaedic surgery. The early identification of microorganisms that cause sepsis may help improve treatment strategies and the efficacy of therapy, which will lead to an increased healing rate, reduced severity of sequelae and improved quality of life.
authors: Reparative Orthopaedic Surgery Department, G. Pini Institute, University of Milan, Italy. Electronic address: gmc@studiocalori.it.
authors: Giorgio Maria
authors: GM
authors: Calori
authors: Reparative Orthopaedic Surgery Department, G. Pini Institute, University of Milan, Italy.
authors: Massimiliano
authors: M
authors: Colombo
authors: Management Department, G. Pini Institute, Milan, Italy.
authors: Paola
authors: P
authors: Navone
authors: Management Department, G. Pini Institute, Milan, Italy.
authors: Marta
authors: M
authors: Nobile
authors: Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, Italy.
authors: Francesco
authors: F
authors: Auxilia
authors: Laboratory of Clinical-Chemistry and Microbiology, IRCCS Galeazzi, Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, Italy.
authors: Marco
authors: M
authors: Toscano
authors: Laboratory of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, Italy.
authors: Lorenzo
authors: L
authors: Drago
mesh_terms: D000190:Actinomyces / Q000472:pathogenicity; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018441:Biofilms / Q000254:growth & development; D002176:Candida albicans / Q000472:pathogenicity; D020878:Device Removal; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy; D008297:Male; D008828:Microbiological Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009985:Orthopedics / Q000639:trends; D010019:Osteomyelitis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology*; D019736:Prostheses and Implants / Q000382:microbiology*; D016459:Prosthesis-Related Infections / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology*; D011788:Quality of Life; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013048:Specimen Handling / Q000379:methods*; D013210:Staphylococcus / Q000472:pathogenicity; D013291:Streptococcus / Q000472:pathogenicity; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents
keywords: Biofilm; DTT; Dithiotreithol; Osteomyelitis; Periprosthetic infection; Septic non-union; Surgical site infection; Swabs