Askar M, Ashraf W, Scammell B, Bayston R, et al.
European journal of clinical microbiology & infectious diseases : official publication of the E.... Date of publication 2019 Jan 1;volume 38(1):149-155.
1. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis. 2019 Jan;38(1):149-155. doi:
10.1007/s10096-018-3406-4. Epub 2018 Oct 24.
Comparison of different human tissue processing methods for maximization of
bacterial recovery.
Askar M(1), Ashraf W(1), Scammell B(1), Bayston R(2).
Author information:
(1)Department of Academic Orthopaedics, Queen's Medical Centre, University of
Nottingham, C Floor, West Block, Derby Road, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK.
(2)Department of Academic Orthopaedics, Queen's Medical Centre, University of
Nottingham, C Floor, West Block, Derby Road, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK.
Roger.Bayston@nottingham.ac.uk.
Tissues are valuable microbiological samples that have proved superiority over
swabs. Culture of tissue samples is used in the diagnosis of a variety of
infections. However, as well as factors such as the site of obtaining the sample,
the number of samples, and previous antibiotic use, the method of tissue
processing may have an important effect on sensitivity. Data from the literature
comparing different tissue processing methods is very limited. This study aimed
to compare different mechanical and chemical methods of tissue processing in
terms of efficacy and retaining the viability of the bacteria in the tissues.
Standard suspensions of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli were prepared
and treated differently to test the effect of that treatment on bacterial
viability. Artificially inoculated pork tissue and known infected human tissue
samples were then processed by different methods prior to culture, and results
were compared. Percentages of reduction in the number of viable bacteria compared
to the control by homogenization was similar to 5-min dithiothreitol treatment
but significantly lower than bead beating. Bacterial recovery from homogenized
human tissues was significantly higher than from any other method of treatment.
Although bead beating could be the most efficient method in obtaining a
homogeneous tissue product, it significantly reduces the number of viable
bacteria within tissues. Homogenization offers the most effective easily
controllable retrieval of bacteria from tissue and retains their viability.
Guidelines for diagnosing infections using tissue samples should include a
standardized processing method.
DOI: 10.1007/s10096-018-3406-4
PMCID: PMC6314997
PMID: 30357554 [Indexed for MEDLINE]
