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Microbial colonization of pancreatic duct stents: a prospective analysis
Jochen Schneider1, Philipp Schenk, Andreas Obermeier
1From 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.
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.
Insights
Pancreatic stents show high microbial colonization. The types of microbes change significantly with longer stent indwelling times, indicating a dynamic microbial environment within the pancreatic duct.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Microbiology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Pancreatic stents are commonly used for various biliary and pancreatic conditions.
- Microbial colonization of indwelling medical devices is a significant concern for patient outcomes.
- Understanding the microbial dynamics on pancreatic stents is crucial for managing potential complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the rate of microbial colonization on pancreatic stents.
- To identify the spectrum and quantity of microorganisms present on stents.
- To correlate microbial findings with the duration of stent indwelling.
Main Methods:
- Forty pancreatic stents were analyzed after removal.
- A standardized protocol was used for stent preparation.
- Sonication was employed to release microorganisms from the stent biofilm.
Main Results:
- A high colonization rate was observed, with 39 out of 40 stents harboring microorganisms.
- Aerobic gram-positive bacteria, particularly Streptococcus species, were predominant.
- Stents with longer indwelling times showed a significant increase in anaerobes and aerobic gram-negative bacteria, including Enterobacteriaceae.
Conclusions:
- Pancreatic duct stents exhibit a very high rate of microbial colonization.
- The microbial profile on stents changes significantly with increasing indwelling time.
- The clinical significance of these microbial alterations requires further investigation.
