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Fluorescence in situ hybridization and microbial community profiling analysis of explanted cochlear implants
Leena Asfour1, Daniel Smyth2, Cynthia B Whitchurch3
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, New York University School of Medicine, New York City, NY, USA.
Acta Oto-Laryngologica
|May 13, 2022
Summary
Microbial analysis of explanted cochlear implants (CI) reveals biofilm presence and diverse bacterial communities. This research aids in understanding and treating CI infections, potentially reducing patient morbidity and healthcare costs.
Area of Science:
- Medical microbiology
- Biomedical engineering
- Infectious diseases
Background:
- Cochlear implant (CI) infections, though infrequent, can necessitate device explantation.
- Understanding the microbial landscape of infected CIs is crucial for effective treatment and management.
- Advanced techniques like FISH and MCP offer insights into device-associated microbial communities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze bacterial findings from explanted cochlear implant devices.
- To correlate microbiological results with clinical data and patient outcomes.
- To assess the clinical significance of microbial analyses in infected CIs.
Main Methods:
- Microbiological analysis, including Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and Microbial Community Profiling (MCP), was performed on 12 explanted CI devices (2013-2017).
- Clinical histories, infection status, and outcomes of 11 patients were reviewed.
- Data were correlated with the results of microbial analyses and manufacturer's device failure reports.
Main Results:
- FISH confirmed biofilm presence on all infected explanted devices, identifying preferential formation sites.
- MCP analysis indicated diverse microbial compositions and showed correlation with cultures from infected devices.
- Partial correlation was observed between cultures and biofilm composition, highlighting the complexity of CI-associated infections.
Conclusions:
- Microbial analysis of explanted cochlear implants provides valuable data on infection etiology.
- Findings can inform the development of improved treatment strategies for CI infections.
- This research contributes to reducing morbidity and costs associated with infected cochlear implants.
