Evaluation of Bacteria Detected in Both Urine and Open Wounds in Nursing Facility Residents

Abstract

39 40 Nursing home residents are at a greater risk of developing pressure injuries that develop 41 into an open wound. Open wounds can be colonized with bacteria from multiple sources. 42 Emerging evidence suggests the specific composition of the open wound microbial community 43 can result in delayed wound healing and increased infection risk. Understanding the factors that 44 influence microbial colonization of open wounds, can lead to the prevention of infections. The 45 relationship between bacteria found in urine and that of open wounds, is currently unknown. 46 Recent studies have shown that nursing home residents can harbor a urinary microbiota 47 using both culture dependent and independent techniques. Bacterial species that were more often 55 detected at both sites included Enterococcus faecalis, Proteus mirabilis, Escherichia coli, and 56 Providencia stuartii. This pilot study provides evidence that urinary colonization can mirror 57 open wound colonization. Further studies are needed to investigate if parallel colonization of 58 these anatomical sites affect infection outcomes. 59 60 61 62 63 64 65