MICROBIAL COLONIZATION OF BLOM-SINGER PROSTHESES IN POSTLARYNGECTOMY PATIENTS

The microbial colonization of 44 Blom-Singer valves obtained from 16 p atients over an 11-month period was investigated both by standard micr obial culture methods and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The valv es were all removed from the patients after failure to function correc tly. The microbiology cultures revealed that Candida species and Staph ylococcus aureus were present either individually or in combination on 43 valves. SEM showed yeast hyphae attached to and penetrating the su rfaces of the 5 valves examined. Colonies of staphylococci were also s een on 2 of these 5 valves. Unlike similar investigations on other voi ce prostheses, S aureus colonization was associated with Candida colon ization and valve failure.