A significant number of screws, artificial knees and pacemakers have bacteria or fungi living on them after being implanted in patients, according to a Danish study published in APMIS and reported by the Daily Mail.
Researchers analyzed 106 screws, artificial knees and pacemakers that had been implanted in uninfected patients and the surrounding tissue. The devices had been in patients' bodies for 13 months, on average. For comparison, the researchers analyzed sterile implants that were removed shortly after being implanted into a patient. These served as control implants.
Here are five results:
1. Researchers found 66 percent of implants were colonized with bacteria and 40 percent with fungi. None were pathogens.
2. The control implants didn't have any bacteria or fungi on them, indicating colonization occurs in the body.
3. Skin and bone could be the sources of colonization, the researchers said.
4. Researchers said the microorganisms can cause inflammation, and in turn, pain and swelling. However, they could potentially improve health like the gut's microbiome.
5. Further research is needed to determine the cause and effects of colonization on implants.