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Published on: June 24, 2018
[Environmental scanning electron microscopy for biofilm detection in tonsils]
Rafael Ramírez-Camacho1, Ana Isabel González-Tallón, David Gómez
1Grupo de Investigación Otológica, Servicio de Otorrinolaringología, Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro, Madrid, España.
Environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) reveals intact biofilms on clinical tonsil samples, unlike standard methods that alter structures during dehydration. ESEM allows visualization of bacteria in their natural hydrated state.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Microscopy
Context:
- Biofilms are prevalent in recurrent tonsillitis.
- Standard scanning electron microscopy (SEM) can alter biofilm structure due to dehydration.
Purpose:
- To describe and evaluate an environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) method for studying clinical biofilms.
- To compare ESEM with conventional SEM for biofilm analysis.
Summary:
- Eight of nine tonsils from patients with recurrent tonsillitis showed biofilms.
- Conventional SEM revealed bacterial accumulations obscured by dehydration artifacts.
- ESEM visualized bacteria embedded in a preserved, amorphous substance, representing the hydrated biofilm.
Impact:
- ESEM enables the observation of biofilms in their native hydrated state.
- This technique offers a more accurate representation of biofilm structure in clinical samples.
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