P006 MICROBIOLOGY OF CHRONIC MESH INFECTION

Aim Mesh infection represents a significant concern due to its terrible consequences. Mesh sinus, infected seromas, mesh extrusion, and mesh-related enteric fistulas are common complications associated with synthetic mesh. This study aimed to review the microbiota of mesh infection in a series of 100 patients submitted to mesh explantation. Material and Methods We reviewed the charts of patients presenting with a history of mesh infection lasting six months or more after mesh placement. All patients submitted to further abdominal wall repair with complete removal of the infected mesh and presenting a positive culture were included. The microbiota analysis was based on positive cultures obtained from the fluids and tissues surrounding the mesh or a positive culture of the mesh itself. Microorganisms were divided into gram-positive or gram-negative, aerobic or anaerobic, and fungi. Results Pure aerobic gram-positive cultures were encountered in 50% of the patients, followed by a combination of aerobic gram-positive/gram-negative (9%) and pure gram-negative cultures (6%). Anaerobes were recovered from 31% of patients. Fungi were recovered from 6%. Staphylococcus aureus was identified in 64% of cultures, with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus present in 42% and methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus in 22%. Among aerobic gram-negative infections, six (17%) were caused by multi-resistant bacteria, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus mirabilis, Acinetobacter baumanii, Klebsiella pneumoniae complex, and Enterobacter cloacae complex. Conclusions Pure Staphylococcus aureus infections, occurring in 29%, accounted for most single bacterial infections. Gram-negative infections and anaerobes were commonly encountered in polymicrobial infections. Most fungi cultures occurred in patients with enteric fistulas.