The majority of chronic, poorly healing wounds are covered by a biofilm of bacteria (with a high proportion of staphylococci and pseudomonads). This matrix structure of polymeric substances (polymeric carbohydrates, proteins, bacterial DNA) forms a physical barrier that impairs the effect of therapeutics and protects the bacteria from the innate immunity of the host.
Depending on the relative species composition, the natural skin microbiome can accelerate or delay wound healing. The species Staphylococcus epidermidis forms lipoteichoic acids, which have an anti-inflammatory effect after a skin injury. By stimulating the adaptive immune system, the bacterium contributes to wound closure and promotes re-epithelialization and tissue granulation.
Wound microbiome analysis is therefore a modern method of determining the bacterial species spectrum in a wound. The knowledge gained can be used to develop therapeutic strategies directed against germs that interfere with wound healing and for probiotic, skin-regenerative microorganisms.
Profile focus: Bacterial diversity and species composition, comparison with other similar wound profiles, analysis of treatment options in comparison with the literature.
On request, the most important antibiotic resistance genes can also be determined from the sample. In addition, a wound manager can interpret the results and create a personalized treatment plan.
