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Updated: Jul 28, 2026
In Vitro Assay of Bacterial Adhesion onto Mammalian Epithelial Cells
Published on: May 16, 2011
Evaluation of bacterial adhesion in exposed orbital implants using electron microscopy and microbiological culture
A Toribio1, M A Ferrero2, L Rodríguez-Aparicio2
1Servicio de Oftalmología, Hospital Universitario de León, León, España.
Abstract:
Three cases are presented of anophthalmic patients with exposed orbital implants. Although only one patient showed evident clinical signs of infection, all three implants were studied to determine the presence of microorganisms adhered to their surface using a scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and microbiological culture. The SEM allowed the visualisation of microorganisms adhered to the three implants, although only one of them showed growth in the microbiological cultures. In addition, the SEM technique used in case No.3 achieved a better orientation and appreciation of the microorganisms with respect to the images of cases No.1 and2. These findings support the idea that the surface of exposed orbital implants is colonised by microorganisms, even when they still do not show obvious signs of infection. Therefore, mechanical removal of the exposed surface of the implant is necessary before covering it with grafts or flaps.
Insights
Microorganisms colonize exposed orbital implants even without visible infection. Mechanical removal of the implant surface is crucial before reconstruction to prevent complications.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Microbiology
Background:
- Anophthalmic patients with exposed orbital implants present a risk for infection.
- Early detection of subclinical colonization is vital for patient outcomes.
Observation:
- Three cases of exposed orbital implants were examined.
- Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and microbiological cultures were used to detect microorganisms.
- SEM visualized adhered microorganisms on all three implants, while cultures showed growth in only one.
Findings:
- Exposed orbital implants are consistently colonized by microorganisms, irrespective of clinical signs of infection.
- SEM is effective in visualizing microbial adherence on implant surfaces.
- Microbiological cultures may not detect all colonized implants.
Implications:
- The findings underscore the need for routine assessment of exposed orbital implants for microbial colonization.
- Mechanical debridement of the implant surface is recommended prior to reconstructive procedures (grafts or flaps).
- This approach may reduce the risk of late-onset infections and improve implant survival.
