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Intestinal bacterial translocation in experimentally burned mice with wounds colonized by Pseudomonas aeruginosa
W L Manson1, J M Coenen, H J Klasen
1Public Health Laboratory, Rooms-Katholiek Ziekenhuis, Groningen, The Netherlands.
Abstract:
Translocation of micro-organisms from the gastrointestinal tract may play a role in the pathogenesis of septic complications in severely burned patients. We therefore investigated the influence of burn wound infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa on translocation in experimentally burned mice. The P. aeruginosa disseminated in 15% of the animals on the second day and in 20% of the animals on the third day postburn in the Pseudomonas-seeded group. Wound colonization with P. aeruginosa, compared with a control group, led to an increased incidence of translocation of Escherichia coli from the GI tract to the spleen (p < 0.005), liver (p < 0.03), lungs (p < 0.005), and peritoneal cavity (p < 0.03) on the second day postburn but not on the third day postburn. On both the second and third days, the number of viable E. coli in the organs in the Pseudomonas-seeded group exceeded that in the organs in the control group. In this model translocation of E. coli from the GI tract played a more important role than did hematogeneous dissemination of P. aeruginosa from the burn wound.
Insights
Pseudomonas aeruginosa burn wound infection increases gastrointestinal tract bacteria translocation to organs in mice. This bacterial translocation plays a key role in septic complications following severe burns.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Surgical Infections
Background:
- Gastrointestinal tract (GI) microbial translocation is implicated in sepsis pathogenesis.
- Severely burned patients are susceptible to septic complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of Pseudomonas aeruginosa burn wound infection on microbial translocation in a murine model.
- To assess the role of P. aeruginosa in facilitating the movement of other bacteria from the GI tract to systemic organs.
Main Methods:
- Experimental burn model in mice.
- Infection of burn wounds with Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
- Quantification of bacterial translocation (Escherichia coli) from the GI tract to spleen, liver, lungs, and peritoneal cavity.
- Comparison between infected and control groups.
Main Results:
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa wound colonization significantly increased Escherichia coli translocation from the GI tract to multiple organs on day 2 postburn.
- Elevated viable E. coli counts were observed in organs of the Pseudomonas-seeded group on both days 2 and 3 postburn.
- Bacterial translocation from the GI tract was a more significant factor than P. aeruginosa hematogenous spread.
Conclusions:
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa burn wound infection promotes bacterial translocation from the GI tract.
- This translocation is a critical factor in the development of septic complications in burn injury.
- Targeting GI barrier integrity may be crucial for managing sepsis in burn patients.