Detection of bacteria in burn wounds with a novel handheld autofluorescence wound imaging device: a pilot study. (2nd August 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pijpe, Anouk; Ozdemir, Yildiz; Sinnige, Jan C.; Kwa, Kelly A.A.; Middelkoop, Esther; Meij-de Vries, Annebeth
• Is Part Of: Journal of wound care. Volume 28:Number 8(2019)
• Page Start: 548
• Page End: 554
• Publication Date: 2019-08-02
• Subjects: auto-fluorescence -- bacteria -- burns -- colonisation -- swab -- wounds; Wounds and injuries -- Treatment -- Periodicals; Wound healing -- Periodicals; 617.1
• DOI: 10.12968/jowc.2019.28.8.548
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0969-0700

Abstract

Abstract : Objective: To compare the detection of bacteria in burn wounds between an bacterial fluorescence imaging device MolecuLight i:X, (Canada), and standard microbiological swabs. Methods: Wounds were swabbed three times on one occasion; once with a standard swab, once with a high-fluorescent area swab, indicating a bacterial load >10 4 colony-forming units (CFU)/gram and a finally with a non-fluorescent (nF) area swab. Proportion agreement of the microbiological results was calculated and the accuracy of the device to detect relevant bacteria was assessed. Results: A total of 14 patients with 20 wounds participated in the study. Median post-burn day at sampling time was 21 days. Of the 20 wounds, nine had a positive swab result in either of the three swabs, and 11 showed a highfluorescent area. Overall, positive and negative proportion agreement between standard swab and high-fluorescent swab sample results were 100%. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of presence of high-fluorescence were 78%, 64%, 64%, and 78%, respectively. For Pseudomonas aeruginosa detection, these results were 100%, 70%, 44% and 100%, respectively. Conclusion: The diagnostic accuracy of the bacterial fluorescence imaging device to detect relevant bacteria in burn wounds was moderate and the reliability was equal to standard swabbing. Further research in larger sample sizes and on the relevance of minimal bacterial load and its potential to help with Pseudomonas aeruginosa management is needed.