Retrospective analysis of bacterial colonization of necrotic bone and antibiotic resistance in 98 patients with medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ)

OBJECTIVES: The aim of our study was to describe microbial flora associated with MRONJ and characterize the susceptibility of pathogens to help guide an effective empiric antibiotic treatment in these patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective, single-center analysis was performed, using 116 bone samples from 98 patients. The bone samples were homogenized and subjected to routine culture methods. Growing bacteria were differentiated to the species level using whole-cell mass spectrometry and subjected to susceptibility testing. RESULTS: A highly diverse microbial flora was detected in necrotic bone, with a simultaneous presence of two or more bacterial species in 79% of all patients. In at least 65% of samples, gram-negative isolates were detected. Therefore, bacterial species resistant against β-lactamase inhibitors were present in at least 70% of all patients. CONCLUSIONS: The empiric choice of antibiotics in MRONJ patients should consider the high rate of gram-negative bacteria and resistance against β-lactam antibiotics. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: According to recent guidelines and recommendations, systemic antibiotic treatment is a key component in the treatment of all stage 2 and 3 MRONJ patients. We recommend using fluoroquinolones for empiric treatment and emphasize the use of bacterial cultivation and susceptibility testing to enable an effective antibiotic treatment. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (10.1007/s00784-020-03595-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.