The Microbiome and Metabolome of Malignant Fungating Wounds: A Systematic Review of the Literature From 1995 to 2020

CONCLUSIONS: Seven studies were included; the overall quality of the included 7 studies was ranked as adequate. Findings from the studies provided an incomplete characterization of the microbiome and metabolome of MFW; none included modern genomic technologies. Twenty different species of aerobes and 14 species of anaerobes were identified, with inconsistent identification of biofilms and multi-drug-resistant bacteria. Symptom occurrence increased with the number of bacteria species (P = .0003) and the presence of at least 1 anaerobe (P = .0006) in malignant wound beds. Cancer wound-derived odor was associated with dimethyl trisulfide and 4 fatty acid volatiles. Periwound and moisture-associated skin damage were associated with higher putrescine levels in exudates. IMPLICATIONS: Understanding the role of microbiota of MFW in developing or amplifying the severity of wound symptoms is the first step toward development of more precise and effective topical interventions.
Source: Journal of Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nursing - Category: Nursing Tags: Wound Care: EVIDENCE-BASED REPORT CARD Source Type: research