ROLE OF MICROBIOLOGY AND INFLAMMATORY BIOMARKERS IN PLANNING RECONSTRUCTIVE TREATMENT OF CHRONIC WOUNDS: LITERATURE REVIEW

  • Jelena Milović Emergency Center, University Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade, Republic of Serbia
  • Dražen Radanović Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Republic of Serbia; Neurosurgery Clinic, University Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade, Republic of Serbia; Institute of Pharmacology, Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Republic of Serbia https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1910-6000
  • Mihajlo Ćurčić Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Republic of Serbia; Emergency Center, University Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade, ; Neurosurgery Clinic, University Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade, Republic of Serbia
  • Vanja Misić Mandić Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Republic of Serbia; Institute of Pharmacology, Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Republic of Serbia; Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, Center for Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, University Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade, Republic of Serbia
  • Marija Rudić Emergency Center, University Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade, Republic of Serbia; Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, Center for Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, University Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade, Republic of Serbia
  • Saša Knežević Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Republic of Serbia; Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, Center for Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, Clinic of Neurosurgery, University Clinical Centre of Serbia, Belgrade, Republic of Serbia
  • Sonja Giljača City Public Health Institute of Belgrade, Belgrade, Republic of Serbia
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5937/zdravzast54-62525
Keywords: chronic wounds, microbiology, reconstructive surgery, inflammatory biomarkers

Abstract


Chronic wounds represent a significant clinical and public health burden, with increasing prevalence among elderly and patients with diabetes and vascular diseases. Proper planning of reconstructive treatment requires a comprehensive understanding of microbiological processes and inflammatory biomarkers reflecting wound status. The aim of this study was to analyze contemporary approaches to the diagnosis and planning of reconstructive treatment of chronic wounds, emphasizing the role of microbiology and inflammatory biomarkers. Review of 18 studies published between 2010 and 2025 was presented in the paper, focusing on microbial profiles, inflammatory markers, and reconstructive treatment modalities. The most common microorganisms are Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Acinetobacter baumannii. Elevated CRP and IL-6 levels correlate with infection and poor graft outcomes, while normalization indicates readiness for reconstruction. Epidemiological data show an 8–10% annual increase in chronic wound prevalence in Europe, alongside rising bacterial resistance. Microbiological evaluation and biomarker monitoring should be integral to reconstructive planning protocols in chronic wounds. This approach improves outcome prediction, reduces postoperative complications, and promotes rational therapy use.

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Published
2026/01/28
Issue
Vol. 54 No. 4 (2025): HEALTH CARE
Section
Review article