Colonization by multidrug-resistant bacteria in hematological patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and clinical outcomes: A single-center retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Bloodstream infections are a leading cause of death in patients who undergo hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and are more severe when caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria. This study proposed to investigate if colonization by MDR bacteria negatively affects the clinical outcomes in hematological patients after HSCT, as well as to evaluate possible risk factors for death due to bacteremia by the same colonizing agent. METHODS: A single-center retrospective cohort study was conducted with 405 hematological patients submitted to a single HSCT procedure between 2015 and 2021. Patients were classified as colonized (n = 132) or noncolonized (n = 273) based on the surveillance cultures from D-30 to D+30 of transplantation, and their relevant clinical and laboratory data were collected until D+100. RESULTS: Colonization by MDR bacteria increased blood culture positivity by all micro-organisms and also specifically by MDR bacteria, with a more pronounced effect when caused by carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae. Patients colonized with carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae had increased overall mortality (HR = 4.07, 95% CI 1.85-8.91, P = .0005) and had prolonged hospital length of stay in the context of autologous transplantation. Risk factors for death due to bacteremia by the same colonizing agent were neutropenia, colonization by carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae and use of high-dose total body irradiation in conditioning. CONCLUSION: Hematological patients colonized by MDR bacteria presented a higher incidence of bloodstream infections, and colonization by carbapenemase-producing K. pneumoniae was associated with reduced overall survival.

Mobile phones of anesthesiologists as reservoirs of nosocomial bacteria in a quaternary teaching hospital: an observational study

Abstract Background: Mobile phones in hospital settings have been identified as an important source of cross-contamination because of the low frequency with which mobile phones are cleaned by health workers and cyclical contamination of the hands and face. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the mobile phones of the anesthesia team at a teaching hospital are potential reservoirs of nosocomial bacteria. In addition, differences in device sanitization and hand hygiene habits between attending and resident anesthesiologists were correlated with mobile phone colonization. Methods: A prevalence study was conducted over a 6-month period from 2017 to 2018 that involved the collection of samples from the mobile phones of the anesthesiology team and culturing for surveillance. A questionnaire was administered to assess the mobile phone sanitization and hand washing routines of the anesthesia team in specific situations. Results: Bacterial contamination was detected for 86 of the 128 mobile phones examined (67.2%). A greater presence of Micrococcus spp. on devices was correlated with a higher frequency of mobile phone use (p = 0.003) and a lower frequency of sanitization (p = 0.003). The presence of bacteria was increased on the mobile phones of professionals who did not perform handwashing after tracheal intubation (p = 0.003). Conclusion: Hand hygiene and device sanitization habits were more important than the use behavior, as a higher presence of bacteria correlated with poorer hygiene habits. Furthermore, handwashing is the best approach to prevent serious colonization of mobile devices and the possible transmission of pathogens to patients under the care of anesthesiologists.

Mobile phones of anesthesiologists as reservoirs of nosocomial bacteria in a quaternary teaching hospital: an observational study.

BACKGROUND: Mobile phones in hospital settings have been identified as an important source of cross-contamination because of the low frequency with which mobile phones are cleaned by health workers and cyclical contamination of the hands and face. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the mobile phones of the anesthesia team at a teaching hospital are potential reservoirs of nosocomial bacteria. In addition, differences in device sanitization and hand hygiene habits between attending and resident anesthesiologists were correlated with mobile phone colonization. METHODS: A prevalence study was conducted over a 6-month period from 2017 to 2018 that involved the collection of samples from the mobile phones of the anesthesiology team and culturing for surveillance. A questionnaire was administered to assess the mobile phone sanitization and hand washing routines of the anesthesia team in specific situations. RESULTS: Bacterial contamination was detected for 86 of the 128 mobile phones examined (67.2%). A greater presence of Micrococcus spp. on devices was correlated with a higher frequency of mobile phone use (p=0.003) and a lower frequency of sanitization (p=0.003). The presence of bacteria was increased on the mobile phones of professionals who did not perform handwashing after tracheal intubation (p=0.003). CONCLUSION: Hand hygiene and device sanitization habits were more important than the use behavior, as a higher presence of bacteria correlated with poorer hygiene habits. Furthermore, handwashing is the best approach to prevent serious colonization of mobile devices and the possible transmission of pathogens to patients under the care of anesthesiologists.

Health of the Newborn and Breastfeeding during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Literature Review / Saúde do recém-nascido e amamentação durante a pandemia de COVID-19: Uma revisão da literatura

Abstract Objective The present article presents a literature review concerning the microbiota of breast milk and the influence of epigenetics in the susceptibility to COVID-19. Methods A literature review. Results Breastfeeding transfers microbiota, nutrients, diverse white blood cells, prebiotics, hormones, and antibodies to the baby, which provide short- and longterm immunological protection against several infectious, gastrointestinal, and respiratory illnesses. The little evidence available shows that breast milk very rarely carries the SARS-CoV-2 virus, and even in those cases, it has been discarded as the source of contagion. Conclusion The reviewed studies show evidence of a beneficial effect of breastfeeding and highlights its importance on the current pandemic due to the immune reinforcement that it provides. Breastfed individuals showed better clinical response due to the influence on the microbiota and to the nutritional and immune contribution provided by breast milk, compared with those who were not breastfed.

Resumo Objetivo O presente artigo apresenta uma revisão de literatura sobre amicrobiota do leite materno e a influência da epigenética na suscetibilidade à COVID-19. Métodos Revisão de literatura. Resultados A amamentação transfere microbiota, nutrientes, diversos glóbulos brancos, prebióticos, hormônios e anticorpos para o bebê, os quais proporcionam proteção imunológica de curto e longo prazo contra diversas doenças infecciosas, gastrointestinais e respiratórias. As poucas evidências disponíveis mostram que o leite materno transportamuito raramente o vírus SARS-CoV-2, emesmo nestes casos, ele foi descartado como fonte de contágio. Conclusão Os estudos revisados mostram evidências de um efeito benéfico da amamentação e destacam sua importância na atual pandemia devido ao reforço imunológico que ela proporciona. Os indivíduos amamentados mostraram melhor resposta clínica devido à influência sobre a microbiota, e à contribuição nutricional e imunológica proporcionada pelo leite materno, em comparação com aqueles que não o foram.

Hymenobacter artigasi sp. nov., isolated from air sampling in maritime Antarctica.

A rod-shaped and Gram-stain-negative bacterial strain, 1BT, was isolated from an air sample collected at King George Island, maritime Antarctica. Strain 1BT is strictly aerobic, psychrophilic, catalase-positive, oxidase-positive and non-motile. Growth of strain 1BT is observed at 0-20 °C (optimum, 10 °C), pH 6.0-8.0 (optimum, pH 8.0) and in the presence of 0-1.0% NaCl (optimum, 0.5 % NaCl). Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences places strain 1BT within the genus Hymenobacter and shows the highest similarity to Hymenobacter antarcticus VUG-A42aaT (97.5 %). The predominant menaquinone of strain 1BT is MK-7 and the major fatty acids (>10 %) comprise summed feature 3 (C16 : 1 ω7c and/or C16 : 1 ω6c; 32.5 %), iso-C15 : 0 (17.6 %) and anteiso C15 : 0 (12.3 %). The polar lipid profile consists of the major compounds phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylserine, two unidentified aminolipids and one unidentified phospholipid. The DNA G+C content based on the draft genome sequence is 61.2 mol%. Based on the data from the current polyphasic study, 1BT represents a novel species of the genus Hymenobacter, for which the name Hymenobacter artigasi sp. nov. is suggested. The type strain is 1BT (=CCM 8970T=CGMCC 1.16843T).

Risk of Surgical Site Infection in Patients with Asymptomatic Bacteriuria or Abnormal Urinalysis before Joint Arthroplasty: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Routine screening and treatment for pre-operative asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) before joint arthroplasty are controversial. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the impact of ASB and other bacterial colonization markers (BCM) observed in abnormal urine analyses, such as positive nitrites, leukocyturia, or positive leukocyte esterase in the risk of surgical site infections (SSIs) of joint arthroplasty patients. METHODS: Studies published between 1970 and 2017 that reported data on SSI and prosthetic joint infection (PJI) in patients after joint arthroplasty of the hip, knee, or shoulder with pre-operative ASB or BCM were included. A meta-analysis with random effect model was performed. RESULTS: Eleven studies were included (29,371 patients and 35,323 joints). The main procedures were total hip replacements (53.3%) and the mean follow-up period was 21.5 months, with 12 months being the minimum time of follow-up. A total of 2,400 cases (9.5%) reported pre-operative BCM (15%) or ASB (85%). The proportion of SSI was higher in patients with ASB (2.3% vs. 1.1%) (p < 0.001) and was related to a higher risk of SSI (odds ratio [OR] 2.89; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.36-6.17), however, in only six cases (12.7%) was the SSI micro-organism correlated with the urine culture. Finally, antibiotic treatment for ASB did not reduce the SSI risk (OR = 0.82; 95% CI 0.34-1.97). CONCLUSIONS: Asymptomatic bacteriuria represent a relatively common finding among these patients and is related to a higher risk of SSI. However, the poor microbiologic correlation suggests that ASB could represent a surrogate marker for other conditions correlated with bacterial infection. Therefore, systematic urinalysis screening should be discouraged, whereas a complete risk assessment that considers comorbidities and past medical history should be promoted.

Efecto de una combinación de nutrientes e inhibidores del crecimiento bacteriano sobre el desarrollo de Salmonella / Effect of a combination of nutrients and inhibitors of bacterial growth on the development of Salmonella

La selección de bases nutritivas para los medios de cultivo está relacionada con el microorganismo objeto de estudio y el propósito del medio. Los inhibidores del crecimiento bacteriano en los medios selectivos y diferenciales pueden interferir en el desarrollo del microorganismo de interés. Por ello se requiere un balance entre sustancias promotoras e inhibidoras del crecimiento bacteriano, sobre todo en bacterias que pueden encontrarse a muy bajas concentraciones o sometidas a diferentes condiciones de estrés durante el almacenamiento de las muestras que las contiene, como Salmonella. El objetivo consistió en evaluar el efecto de una combinación de nutrientes de diferentes orígenes y de inhibidores del crecimiento de bacterias grampositivas sobre el desarrollo de Salmonella. Se seleccionaron 52 cepas: incluyendo Salmonella, otras bacterias y levaduras. Se determinó la capacidad nutricional de mezclas de bases nutritivas registrando el incremento de la biomasa mediante técnica espectrofotométrica. Se comprobó la capacidad de recuperación e inhibición de dos variantes experimentales con diferentes inhibidores mediante la determinación de parámetros cuantitativos, y se comparó la productividad de la formulación final con un medio cromogénico. Salmonella mostró un crecimiento abundante en las variantes con diferentes combinaciones nutricionales, se logró la inhibición de un grupo de microorganismos y la productividad de la composición final fue superior a 0.80. La mezcla de bases nutritivas de diferentes orígenes y las sales biliares como inhibidor de crecimiento de bacterias grampositivas resulta una combinación eficaz para promover el crecimiento de Salmonella cuando estas bacterias se encuentran en baja concentración.

The selection of nutrient bases depends on the microorganism and the purpose of the medium. Inhibitors of bacterial growth are of great importance in selective and differential media and may interfere in the growth of the microorganism of interest. An adequate balance between promoter substances and inhibitors of bacterial growth is thus required, especially for bacteria that could be found either at very low concentrations or those subject to different stress conditions during storage of the samples containing them, such as Salmonella. The aim was to evaluate the effect of a combination of nutrients of different origins and inhibitors of grampositive bacteria on the development of Salmonella serotypes. 52 Salmonella strains and a representation of other bacteria and yeasts were selected. The nutritional capacity of the composition was determined by spectrophotometric technique formulating variants with mixtures of nutritive bases, and recording the increase in biomass. Recovery capacity and inhibition of two experimental variants with different inhibitors were quantitatively tested. The productivity of the final formulation was compared with a chromogenic medium (Oxoid, England). Salmonella showed abundant growth in the variants made with different nutrient combinations. Both experimental formulations showed their ability to recover microorganisms of interest. The final composition showed productivity values higher than 0.80 in both variants. The mixture of nutrient bases and bile salts as an inhibitor of growth of grampositive bacteria was an effective combination, capable of stimulating the growth of Salmonella genus when these bacteria are found at low concentration.

Fish pathogen bacteria: Adhesion, parameters influencing virulence and interaction with host cells.

Wild fisheries are declining due to over-fishing, climate change, pollution and marine habitat destructions among other factors, and, concomitantly, aquaculture is increasing significantly around the world. Fish infections caused by pathogenic bacteria are quite common in aquaculture, although their seriousness depends on the season. Drug-supplemented feeds are often used to keep farmed fish free from the diseases caused by such bacteria. However, given that bacteria can survive well in aquatic environments independently of their hosts, bacterial diseases have become major impediments to aquaculture development. On the other hand, the indiscriminate uses of antimicrobial agents has led to resistant strains and the need to switch to other antibiotics, although it seems that an integrated approach that considers not only the pathogen but also the host and the environment will be the most effective method in the long-term to improve aquatic animal health. This review covers the mechanisms of bacterial pathogenicity and details the foundations underlying the interactions occurring between pathogenic bacteria and the fish host in the aquatic environment, as well as the factors that influence virulence. Understanding and linking the different phenomena that occur from adhesion to colonization of the host will offer novel and useful means to help design suitable therapeutic strategies for disease prevention and treatment.

Resistance of oxidative stress in biofilm and planktonic cells

This work studied the susceptibility of biofilm produced by E. coli to oxidative stress, and compared the components of free radicals defences: level of glutathione, catalase and dismutase activities in planktonic and biofilm located cells. Results showed the diversity of responses to oxidative stress in bacterial cells in log or stationary phases in both planktonic and biofilm forms. The bacteria were exposed to free-radical donors (H2O2, tBOOH, menadione, SIN-1 or peroxynitrite) in a wide range of final concentrations, from 0.5 to 10mM. Different level of toxicity of individual donors, independence of cell type (planktonic forms or biofilm) and phases of growth were observed. The highest oxidative stress resistance was observed for the cells in logarithmic phase of growth treated with H2O2, both in planktonic and biofilm forms, whereas for the cells in stationary phase, the highest resistance was observed for menadione. These results showed higher efficiency of agents based on superoxide anion donors in combating bacteria colonizing abiotic surfaces stainless steel (AISI 316L).

Colonização bacteriana em próteses dentárias e métodos de higienização / Bacterial colonization of denture and sanitation methods

Este artigo tem como objetivo fazer uma revisão de literatura, analisando a microbiologia do biofilme presente nas próteses totais e seus diversos métodos de higienização para prevenir algumas patologias que estão relacionadas com sua formação. Foi utilizado o banco de dados Pubmed e os descritores prosthodontics, microbiology, denture e biofilm. Dentre todos os estudos avaliados, a utilização do hipoclorito de sódio, a 2% e a 0,05%, associado ou não ao sabão de coco, se apresenta como uma forma eficaz de higienização da prótese, diminuindo o biofilme e algumas espécies patogênicas. Concluímos que a indicação do agente de limpeza protética deve ir ao encontro da necessidade do paciente, sendo sempre um com o melhor custo benefício, de fácil utilização e biocompatível.

This article aims to make a literature review, analyzing microbiology of this biofilm in complete dentures and its various cleaning methods to prevent some diseases that are related to their training. We used the Pubmed database and prosthodontics descriptors, microbiology, and denture biofilm. Among all the studies evaluated the use of sodium hypochlorite, 2% and 0.05%, with or without the coconut soap, is presented as an effective way of cleaning the prosthesis, reducing the biofilm and some pathogenic species. We conclude that the indication of prosthetic cleaning agent should meet the needs of the patient, always one with the best value for money, easy to use and biocompatible.

Colonización bacteriana de piel sana versus quemada de niños bajo 15 años tratados en COANIQUEM, Santiago de Chile / Bacterial colonization in areas of burnt skin and healthy children younger than 15 years, seen COANIQUEM, Santiago, Chile

Bacterial colonization in patients with burns skin without infection and outpatient management has been poorly studied. Objective: To quantify and identify the type of bacteria that colonize healthy body areas homologous location of the skin in children from 1 to 15 years, seen COANIQUEM, Santiago, Chile. Per patient, we studied 204 samples from each zone. The isolated microorganisms were S. epidermidis 35, 3%; others Staphylococcus coagulase negative, 25.8%; S. aureus, 4.4%; and S. viridans group 1.4%. In the subgroup of children who had a count between 1 and 1000 cfu, there was a higher proportion of cfu in burned skin healthy skin (p = 0.0359). The association between depth of the lesion and the bacterial count obtained p = 0.034. Conclusion: In outpatient treatment, the microorganisms are expected in healthy skin, burned skin is evident in lower counts probably associated with epithelial damage.

La colonización bacteriana de la piel de pacientes quemados, sin infección y de manejo ambulatorio, ha sido escasamente estudiada. Objetivo: Cuantificar e identificar el tipo de bacterias que colonizan las zonas cruentas y las zonas sanas de localización homóloga de la piel, en niños entre uno y 15 años de edad que son tratados de forma ambulatoria en la Corporación de Ayuda al Niño Quemado (COANIQUEM) en Santiago de Chile. Pacientes y Métodos: Se estudiaron 204 pacientes quemados en los que se tomó una muestra para cultivo desde la zona de la quemadura y otra desde el sitio homólogo sin quemadura. Resultados: Las especies bacterianas aisladas desde ambos tipos de muestra fueron similares: Staphylococcus epidermidis; otras especies de Staphylococcus coagulasa negativa; Staphylococcus aureus, y Streptococcus grupo viridans. El recuento bacteriano de uno a 999 ufc/ 10,5 cm² fue significativamente superior en las muestras de piel sana (p = 0,0359). La asociación entre mayor profundidad de la lesión y el menor recuento bacteriano obtuvo un p = 0,034. Conclusión: En niños quemados de entre uno y 15 años, de manejo ambulatorio, los microorganismos que colonizan la zona quemada fueron los mismos que colonizan la piel sana, pero en recuento inferior.

Late onset sepsis and intestinal bacterial colonization in very low birth weight infants receiving long-term parenteral nutrition / Sepse de ataque tardio e colonização bacteriana intestinal em neonatos de muito baixo peso recebendo nutrição parenteral total

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to establish the late onset sepsis (LOS) rate of our service, characterize the intestinal microbiota and evaluate a possible association between gut flora and sepsis in surgical infants who were receiving parenteral nutrition (PN). METHODS: Surveillance cultures of the gut were taken at the start of PN and thereafter once a week. Specimens for blood culture were collected based on clinical criteria established by the medical staff. The central venous catheter (CVC) tip was removed under aseptic conditions. Standard laboratory methods were used to identify the microorganisms that grew on cultures of gut, blood and CVC tip. RESULTS: 74 very low birth weight infants were analyzed. All the infants were receiving PN and antibiotics when the gut culture was started. In total, 21 (28.4%) infants experienced 28 episodes of LOS with no identified source. Coagulase negative staphylococci were the most common bacteria identified, both in the intestine (74.2%) and blood (67.8%). All infections occurred in patients who received PN through a central venous catheter. Six infants experienced episodes of microbial translocation. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, LOS was the most frequent episode in neonates receiving parenteral nutrition who had been submitted to surgery; 28.6% of this infection was probably a gut-derived phenomenon and requires novel strategies for prevention.

INTRODUÇÃO: O objetivo deste estudo foi estabelecer a taxa de sepse de ataque tardio (LOS) do nosso serviço, caracterizar a microbiota intestinal e avaliar uma possível associação entre a flora intestinal e sepse em recém-nascidos cirúrgicos que estavam recebendo nutrição parenteral (NP). MÉTODOS: Culturas do intestino foram colhidas no início da nutrição parenteral e, posteriormente, uma vez por semana. As amostras para a cultura de sangue foram coletadas com base em critérios clínicos estabelecidos pela equipe médica. A ponta do cateter venoso central (CVC) foi removida sob condições assépticas. Métodos laboratoriais padrão foram usados para identificar os microrganismos que cresceram em culturas de sangue, do intestino, e da ponta do CVC. RESULTADOS: Foram analisados 74 recém-nascidos de muito baixo peso. Todas as crianças estavam recebendo nutrição parenteral e antibióticos quando a cultura do intestino foi iniciada. No total, 21 (28,4%) crianças apresentaram 28 episódios de sepse tardia sem fonte identificada. Os estafilococos coagulase negativo foram os mais comuns das bactérias identificadas, tanto no intestino (74,2%) como no sangue (67,8%). Todas as infecções ocorreram em pacientes que receberam nutrição parenteral através de um cateter venoso central. Seis crianças experimentaram episódios de translocação microbiana. CONCLUSÕES: Neste estudo LOS foi o episódio mais frequente em recém-nascidos recebendo nutrição parenteral e submetidos a cirurgia, 28,6% da infecção provavelmente foi um fenômeno derivado do intestino o que exige novas estratégias para a prevenção.

Colonización nasal bacteriana en población sana de la ciudad de Santiago de Chile: ¿existe portación de Staphylococcus aureus meticilino resistente comunitario? / Nasal bacterial colonization in healthy people of the city of Santiago of Chile: is there nasal carriage of community methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus?

Introducción: No existe consenso en cuanto a qué se considera flora nasal normal. Recientemente, ha emergido Staphylococcus aureus meticilino resistente comunitario (MRSA-com) en personas sin factores de riesgo conocido, produciendo una alarma sanitaria a nivel mundial. Objetivo: Determinar la colonización nasal bacteriana y evaluar la presencia de MRSA-com. Material y método: Estudio prospectivo descriptivo, entre octubre de 2007 y octubre de 2008, en población sana. Se realizó toma de muestra de secreción nasal, incubación e identificación bacteriana por métodos convencionales. Resultados: Población estudiada con promedio de edad 37,6 +/-15,8 años, 55 por ciento de sexo femenino, y 37,1 por ciento tabaquismo activo. Se obtuvo 73 por ciento de cultivos positivos. Se identificaron 18 especies bacterianas, siendo las más frecuentes Staphylococcus coagulasa negativo (53 por ciento) y Staphylococcus aureus (22,7 por ciento). Se detectó sólo un caso de MRSA, cuyo análisis genético fue negativo para demostrar su origen comunitario. Discusión: Existe una alta tasa de portación nasal de S coagulasa negativo y S aureus, similar a lo reportado por la literatura internacional. Pese a que la prevalencia encontrada para S aureus es la habitual, no se encontraron muestras positivas a MRSA-com. Lo anterior indica que aún no existe en Chile la diseminación de clones de MRSA-com.

Introduction: Doesn't exists agreement about normal nasal flora. Recently it has emerged community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in people without known rísk factors, producing a global health scare. Aim: Look for normal nasal flora and test the presence oí MRSA-com. Material ana method: Descriptive and prospective study, between October 2007 and October 2008, in healthy people. Was taken a sampling from nasal secretion, incubation and bacterial identification by conventional methods. Results: Studied population, average age 37.6 +/-15.8years, 55 percent témale and 37.1 percent active smoking. We obtained 73 percent of positive cultures. We identified 18 bacterial species, the most common was Staphylococcus coagulase-negative (53 percent) and Staphylococcus aureus (22.7 percent). Was detected only one case ofMRSA, and his genetic test was negative to prove community origin. Discusión: There is a high rate of nasal carriage of Staphylococcus coagulase-negative, like to that reponed by international literature. Although the prevalence found for S aureus is the usual, there were no MRSA-com positive samples. This indicates that in Chile there is still no spread of clones of MRSA-com.

Colonización bacteriana post mórtem del líquido cefalorraquídeo: Hospital de San José octubre 2007-octubre 2008 / Bacterial colonization in postmortem-collected cerebrospinal fluid: San José Hospital october 2007-october 2008

Como es un imperativo del Hospital de San José determinar el microorganismo responsable de neuroinfección al momento de la autopsia, es necesario realizar investigaciones que determinen la prevalencia y la frecuencia de la colonización bacteriana; así mismo, es importante identificar los gérmenes bacterianos Gram positivos y negativos en los pacientes fallecidos en la institución. Se realizó este estudio de corte transversal en pacientes hospitalizados mayores de 18 años que fallecieron en el Hospital de San José entre el primero de octubre de 2007 y el primero de octubre de 2008, que cumplieran los criterios de inclusión y exclusión. Se realizó punción transcisternal y toma de muestra de líquido cefalorraquídeo previa autorización de los familiares y se procesó el cultivo estandarizado para gérmenes aerobios Gram positivos y negativos. El estudio fue realizado con 25 pacientes fallecidos en el Hospital de San José, de los cuales el 28% presentaron crecimiento en el cultivo del LCR de muestras aisladas en un tiempo menor de trece horas post mórtem (siete casos).

As identifying the etiologic agent of neurological infection at autopsy is mandatory at the San José Hospital, an investigative procedure to determine the prevalence and frequency of bacterial colonization is required; likewise, it is important to identify gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria in patients who die at the institution. This cross sectional study was conducted in older than 18 year patients who died at said hospital between October 1st, 2007 and October 1st 2008 satisfying the inclusion/ exclusion criteria. After attaining consent from their relatives, a sample of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was procured by a Foramen Magnum puncture. Samples were processed using the standard aerobic gram-positive and gram-negative culture techniques. The study was conducted in 25 patients. Growth of bacterial cultures was detected in 28% (7 cases) of the CSF samples isolated at a less than 13-hour post-mortem interval.