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Updated: May 11, 2026
Assessing Biofilm Dispersal in Murine Wounds
Published on: August 7, 2021
Evaluation of hemostatic field dressing for bacteria, mycobacteria, or fungus contamination
Clinton K Murray1, Tyson Brunstetter, Miriam Beckius
1San Antonio Military Medical Center, 3551 Roger Brooke Drive, Fort Sam Houston, TX 78234, USA.
Abstract:
Infectious complications have a major impact on wounded warriors. Pathogens causing infections include multidrug-resistant bacteria, fungi, and mycobacteria. The potential sources for these pathogens include nosocomial transmission, the environment (e.g., dirt), or the patients (skin flora) themselves. The purpose of this pilot study was to explore the possibility that hemostatic field dressings might act as an inoculation source of pathogens into wounds. To accomplish this, hemostatic field dressings were assessed for the presence of bacterial, fungal, or mycobacterial contamination. We evaluated two samples of QuikClot Combat Gauze and two samples of CELOX Gauze subjected to normal stresses associated with storage after receipt from the manufacturer. We then evaluated 16 samples of QuikClot Combat Gauze that were collected from personnel deployed in Afghanistan and had undergone routine mechanical stress. Samples underwent screening with Trypticase Soy Broth, blood agar plates, MacConkey agar plates, CHROMagar Staphylococcus aureus plates, chocolate agar plates, Potato Flake agar, Lowenstein-Jensen media, and Middlebrook 7H11 media. No bacteria, fungi, or mycobacteria were recovered from the dressings. It does not appear that hemostatic field dressings are contaminated, even after subjected to field conditions. Further research is needed to identify inoculation sources of fungi and mycobacteria, which cause infections.
Insights
Hemostatic field dressings, crucial for wounded warriors, were tested for contamination. This pilot study found no evidence of bacterial, fungal, or mycobacterial contamination in these essential medical supplies.
Area of Science:
- Military Medicine
- Infectious Disease Control
- Wound Management
Background:
- Infectious complications pose significant risks to wounded military personnel.
- Multidrug-resistant bacteria, fungi, and mycobacteria are common pathogens.
- Potential pathogen sources include healthcare settings, the environment, and patient flora.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate hemostatic field dressings as a potential source of wound pathogen inoculation.
- To assess bacterial, fungal, and mycobacterial contamination in hemostatic dressings.
Main Methods:
- Two hemostatic dressings (QuikClot Combat Gauze, CELOX Gauze) were tested post-storage.
- Sixteen QuikClot Combat Gauze samples from deployed personnel were analyzed.
- Cultures were performed using various media to detect microbial growth.
Main Results:
- No bacteria, fungi, or mycobacteria were isolated from any tested hemostatic dressing samples.
- Contamination was not detected even in dressings subjected to field conditions and mechanical stress.
Conclusions:
- Hemostatic field dressings do not appear to be a source of microbial contamination for wounds.
- Further research is required to identify the sources of fungal and mycobacterial infections in wounded warriors.
