Bacteria contribute to brain implant inflammation, study finds

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have found that bacteria may play a role in the inflammation caused by brain implants. This discovery could affect the long-term effectiveness of these devices, which are used to help patients with conditions like paralysis and epilepsy. The study, published in Nature Communications, shows that bacteria from the gut can enter the brain when a medical device is implanted. This may happen due to a breach in the blood-brain barrier. Jeff Capadona, a leading professor in biomedical engineering, noted that the focus has mostly been on the body's immune response. Now, the presence of bacteria is also being considered. The research team tested this idea using mouse models implanted with microelectrodes. They discovered that using antibiotics reduced bacterial contamination and improved the performance of the brain implants. However, long-term use of antibiotics could have harmful effects. The implications of these findings extend beyond device performance. Some of the bacteria detected could be linked to serious neurological diseases, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Capadona emphasized that it is crucial to find ways to prevent bacterial invasion during implantation. The research team is now looking into bacteria related to other brain implants, such as those used for treating hydrocephalus. They even examined the fecal matter of a human subject with a brain device and found similar bacterial patterns. This highlights the need for more understanding of how bacterial invasion can impact clinical practices. By advancing this research, the team hopes to improve the safety and effectiveness of neural implants for patients in the future. The study was supported by various U.S. government agencies and institutions.