La Fe Hospital researchers develop fluorescence technique to detect bacteria in wounds

Researchers at the La Fe Health Research Institute (IIS La Fe) in Valencia have demonstrated that fluorescence imaging can detect clinically relevant bacterial loads in chronic wounds before visible signs of infection appear.

The study, conducted in collaboration with the Dermatology Service of the Hospital Universitari i Politècnic La Fe, focused on patients with wounds that had been present for more than six weeks. Using a portable fluorescence imaging device, the team visualized bacteria directly on the wound bed and compared the findings with conventional microbiological cultures.

Results published in the Journal of Wound Management show the technique achieved a sensitivity of 90.9% and an overall diagnostic accuracy of 85% for identifying significant bacterial loads. As a non-invasive tool, it provides real-time information that can assist clinicians in deciding on treatments, selecting areas for microbiological sampling, and optimizing the use of antimicrobials.