Open AccessNo need for biopsies: comparison of three sample techniques for wound microbiota determination
Author(s) -
Gjødsbøl Kristine,
Skindersoe Mette E,
Christensen Jens Jørgen,
Karlsmark Tonny,
Jørgensen Bo,
Jensen Anders Mørup,
Klein Bjarke M,
Sonnested Michael K,
Krogfelt Karen A
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
international wound journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.867
H-Index - 63
eISSN - 1742-481X
pISSN - 1742-4801
DOI - 10.1111/j.1742-481x.2011.00883.x
Subject(s) - medicine , sampling (signal processing) , biopsy , staphylococcus aureus , microbiology and biotechnology , pathology , veterinary medicine , bacteria , biology , filter (signal processing) , computer science , computer vision , genetics
The aim of the study was to compare three sampling techniques used in routine diagnostics to identify the microbiota in chronic venous leg ulcers. A total of 46 patients with persisting venous leg ulcers were included in the study. At inclusion, swab, biopsy and filter paper pad samples were collected. After 4 weeks, additional biopsy and filter paper pad samples were collected. Bacteria were isolated and identified at species level by standard methods. The most common bacterial species detected was Staphylococcus aureus found in 89% of the ulcers. No methicillin‐resistant S. aureus isolates were found. We did not find any significant differences regarding the bacterial species isolated between the three sampling techniques. However, using multiple techniques led to identification of more species. Our study suggests that it is sufficient to use swab specimens to identify the bacterial species present in chronic wounds, thus avoiding complications during and after biopsy sampling.