Up to 5% of people who have surgery can develop an infection — which can prolong healing and lead to dangerous complications, studies have shown. 

Additionally, chronic wounds affect around 6.5 million patients in the U.S.

Some bacteria can’t be seen with the human eye, which means they may be missed by physicians when cleaning a wound. 

Now, a new medical technology that uses fluorescent light has shown to be effective in detecting missed bacteria, according to new research led by University of Southern California, Los Angeles (USC).

BURN TREATMENT MADE FROM PINEAPPLES REDUCES NEED FOR SKIN GRAFTING SURGERY: ‘NEW AVENUE OF WOUND CARE’

In a review of 26 medical studies, a handheld device using autofluorescence (AF) imaging successfully “lit up” bacteria in nine out of 10 wounds, with each different type of bacteria turning a different color, according to a press release from USC.

The findings were published recently in the medical journal Advances in Wound Care.

Real-time detection

In traditional cases, surgeons take tissue samples from wounds and send them to a lab for testing to determine the types of bacteria that are present, the researchers noted.

It can take days to get the results, during which time infection can set in.

BLOOD BANKS SEARCHING FOR TYPE O BLOOD AMID EMERGENCY SHORTAGE: ‘WE ALWAYS HAVE A NEED’

“Bacteria can cause wounds to become infected when they enter and colonize the cut or wound,” Dr. Raj Dasgupta, pulmonary and critical care specialist at Huntington Health in Los Angeles, told Fox News Digital. 

“If a person does not receive treatment for a wound infection, the infection can spread to other parts of the body, which may lead to serious complications.” (Dasgupta was not involved in the new study.)

In a review of 26 medical studies, a handheld device using autofluorescence imaging successfully “lit up” bacteria in nine out of 10 wounds. (iStock)

The lighting technology allows clinicians to see bacteria in real time, leading to more targeted and effective wound care, according to the study researchers.

“Fluorescence imaging, particularly with devices like MolecuLight, offers a significant advancement in the ability to detect bacterial loads in chronic wounds, such as diabetic foot ulcers,” lead study author Dr. David G. Armstrong, professor of neurological surgery and director of the ​U​SC Limb Preservation Program, told Fox News Digital.

“If a person does not receive treatment for a wound infection, the infection can spread to other parts of the body, which may lead to serious complications.”

It could also help prevent the need for antibiotics, as the bacteria can be removed before infection occurs.

“The study also explores the potential of wearable fluorescence imaging devices, which could further revolutionize surgical debridement by providing continuous visualization during the procedure,” Armstrong added.

The lighting technology allows clinicians to see bacteria in real time, leading to more targeted and effective wound care, according to the study researchers. (iStock)

One of the most surprising discoveries in the study was that high amounts of bacteria didn’t always cause symptoms, but still slowed down the healing process, the researchers stated.

This highlighted the need for “more sophisticated diagnostic tools” in wound management.

OZEMPIC PATIENTS MAY FACE DANGEROUS RISKS DURING SURGERY, DOCTORS WARN

“The big idea here is that we might be able to get out in front of an infection before having to give someone antibiotics,” said Armstrong. “This is the ultimate kind of stewardship to promote superbugs.”

Based on this study, Armstrong recommends that clinicians consider integrating fluorescence imaging into their standard wound care protocols, especially for chronic wounds like diabetic foot ulcers. 

“The big idea here is that we might be able to get out in front of an infection before having to give someone antibiotics.”

“This technology not only improves the accuracy of debridement, but also aids in early intervention, potentially reducing the risk of complications like infections and amputations,” he told Fox News Digital. 

“We also recommend that health care providers stay informed about advancements in wearable imaging technologies, which may soon provide even greater flexibility and precision in wound care.”

Fluorescence may not replace lab testing, surgeon says

Dr. Patrick Davis, a facial plastic surgeon at Davis Facial Plastics in Beverly Hills, California, emphasized the importance of preventing bacterial infections — especially for revision rhinoplasties, which he said have a higher risk of this type of complication.

“This technology not only improves the accuracy of debridement, but also aids in early intervention, potentially reducing the risk of complications like infections and amputations,” a researcher said. (iStock)

“There has been modest research with the use of fluorescence to illuminate a particular wound bed,” Davis, who was not involved in the new study, told Fox News Digital. 

“The idea is that certain bacteria will emit a certain wavelength of light. Staph infections, for example, would emit a different color than another type of bacteria.”

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

This can be helpful in confirming what kind of antibiotic to use for treatment, Davis noted, while also telling the surgeon the “burden of bacteria,” which indicates the level of bacteria in the wound.

The use of this technology still needs more research, according to the surgeon.

The technology could help prevent the need for antibiotics, as the bacteria can be removed before infection occurs. (iStock)

“At this time, this technology would not replace a simple swab of the area and then a laboratory test determining exactly what type of bacteria is present and what antibiotic to use,” he said.

“However, this technology can give a real-time hint at the family of bacteria that is present, although it may not be so specific — that is still reserved for a laboratory to determine.”

Dasgupta agreed that this device could be a “safe, effective, accurate and easy-to-use tool” to improve the assessment of wounds, but he noted that fluorescent light imaging has some limitations when used to detect bacterial infections.

DOCTORS INCREASINGLY USING AR SMART GLASSES IN OPERATING ROOM: ‘POTENTIAL TO REVOLUTIONIZE SURGERIES’

“The evaluation is limited to bacteria that produce fluorescent molecules on the skin’s surface and subsurface,” Dasgupta told Fox News Digital.

“The detection ability is also dependent on the number of bacteria present in the wound,” he went on. “Also, wound depth cannot be captured with this type of evaluation.”

Study limitations

The primary limitation of this study is that it depended on “controlled lighting conditions” in order for the fluorescence imaging devices to function accurately, Armstrong noted.

For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health

“This could be a challenge in certain clinical settings, particularly in real-time surgical environments,” he said.

Chronic wounds affect around 6.5 million patients in the U.S.

More research is also needed to confirm the effectiveness of wearable devices compared to the existing handheld devices.

The study is partially funded by the National Institutes of Health, the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, and the National Science Foundation’s Center to Stream Healthcare in Place.

New Hampshire health officials said Tuesday that a person who tested positive for the mosquito-borne infection eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV) has died. 

An adult from Hampstead, New Hampshire, who tested positive for EEEV infection, “was hospitalized due to severe central nervous system disease, and has passed away due to their illness,” the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Division of Public Health Services (DPHS) said in a statement. “DHHS offers our sympathies to the individual’s family and friends.”

EEEV is a rare but serious disease transmitted to people by infected mosquitos. The last reported human EEEV infection in New Hampshire was in 2014, when DHHS identified three human infections, including two fatalities, according to the department. In addition to the person with EEEV infection announced Tuesday, EEEV has been detected in one horse and seven mosquito batches in New Hampshire so far this summer. 

“In New Hampshire, mosquitoes transmit infections including Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus, West Nile Virus, and Jamestown Canyon Virus,” New Hampshire State Epidemiologist Dr. Benjamin Chan said in a statement. “We believe there is an elevated risk for EEEV infections this year in New England given the positive mosquito samples identified. The risk will continue into the fall until there is a hard frost that kills the mosquito [sic]. Everybody should take steps to prevent mosquito bites when they are outdoors.”

ANTHONY FAUCI’S WEST NILE VIRUS DIAGNOSIS: WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT THE MOSQUITO-BORNE DISEASE

New Hampshire health officials said EEEV can cause flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, muscle aches, and joint pain. 

EEEV can also cause severe neurological disease, such as inflammation of the brain and membranes around the spinal cord, known as encephalitis and meningitis, respectively. Approximately one-third of all people who develop encephalitis from EEEV die from their infection, and many others experience life-long physical or mental impacts, according to the department. There is no vaccine or antiviral treatment for EEEV. 

EEEV has also been detected in neighboring states. In Massachusetts, one person, one horse and 69 mosquito samples have tested positive, and in Vermont, one person and 47 mosquito samples have tested positive. Vermont state health officials on Aug. 9 announced the first human case in the state since 2012. That case involved a male in his 40s from Chittenden County who was hospitalized on July 16 and left the hospital a week later.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates there are about 11 human cases of eastern equine encephalitis in the U.S. per year. 

The town of Plymouth announced on Friday, Aug. 23, 2024, that it’s closing public outdoor recreation facilities from dusk until dawn each day after a horse in the town was infected with eastern equine encephalitis.  (AP Photo/Steven Senne, File)

WEST NILE VIRUS DETECTED AT NEW YORK BEACH

New Hampshire health officials warned residents to prevent EEEV infection by taking steps to prevent mosquito bites, including using effective mosquito repellents, wearing long sleeves and pants when outside, and avoiding outdoor activities in the early morning and evening hours when mosquitoes are most active. 

Massachusetts began aerial spraying for mosquitos over the weekend.  (Lane Turner/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)

The department said it is also important for residents to remove standing water from around their homes to reduce mosquito populations, and ensure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens without holes.

Over the weekend, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) and the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) announced plans to conduct aerial spraying for mosquitoes in areas of Plymouth County, and truck-mounted spraying in parts of Worcester County. As of Saturday, 10 communities in Massachusetts were raised to high or critical risk for EEEV.

“We have not seen an outbreak of EEE for four years in Massachusetts,” Massachusetts DPH Commissioner Robbie Goldstein. MD, PhD said in a statement Saturday. “This year’s outbreak and activity raise the risk for communities in parts of the state. We need to use all our available tools to reduce risk and protect our communities. We are asking everyone to do their part.” 

The town of Plymouth, about 40 miles southeast of Boston, said Friday it was taking “proactive measures” amid the high risk status for EEEV by closing all parks and fields from dusk until dawn. 

Working through the night can put a toll on your body and overall health. 

More than 9 million adults in the United States work shifts at night, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.  

There are many jobs in a variety of industries that require staff at night, including medical professionals, flight attendants, hotel receptionists, construction workers, truck drivers, firefighters, law enforcement and others. 

CANCER TRENDS REVEALED, INCLUDING MOST COMMON TYPES OF THE DISEASE AND BIGGEST RISK FACTORS

Working the night shift requires adjusted sleep schedules and meal times, which are two contributing factors to the health problems associated with late-night hours that could include an increased risk of cancer, gastrointestinal disorders and more.

1. Increased cancer risk
2. Possible gastrointestinal disorders
3. Increased risk for cardiovascular disease
4. Psychological concerns

1. Increased cancer risk

Studies have shown an increased risk of certain cancers among those who work the night shift.

The National Toxicology Program (NTP) drew its own conclusions based on “systematic review methods and established criteria” about a link between working the night shift to certain cancers, according to a 2021 report by the organization. 

The NTP found “high evidence” that frequently working the night shift disrupts circadian rhythms and can cause breast cancer in women and prostate cancer in men. 

A circadian rhythm is the body’s internal 24-hour clock. One factor that affects a circadian rhythm is light. 

LACK OF SLEEP COULD BE A FACTOR IN A ‘SILENT EPIDEMIC,’ EXPERTS WARN

Working the night shift disrupts the body’s circadian rhythm because a person is working during a time when the body’s natural instinct is to sleep. 

If you are someone who often works the night shift, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends trying to stick to a similar sleep schedule even on the days when you are off from work to help your body get into a better routine. 

Many health risks associated with working the night shift come with the disruption of a person’s sleep schedule.  (iStock)

2. Possible gastrointestinal disorders

When you work the night shift, you may eat at odd hours. 

Possible gastrointestinal disorders you could face include abdominal pain, gas, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, vomiting, change in appetite, indigestion and heartburn, according to The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). 

A disturbed circadian rhythm can again be to blame for these gastrointestinal problems because the body’s internal clock may not properly function when food is eaten at abnormal hours during the night. 

HERE’S WHY YOU’RE BLOATED – AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT THE COMMON DIGESTIVE CONDITION

It is important to keep yourself fueled with food and hydrated with plenty of water while you’re on your feet working long hours at night. 

What you eat at work, and even where you eat, can help ease these digestive problems, according to NIOSH. 

Recommended foods for work hours include vegetables, salads, soups, fruits, wholegrain sandwiches, yogurt, cheese, eggs, nuts and green tea. 

Those who frequently work night shifts could experience digestive issues.  (iStock)

The NIOSH also suggests seeking a different environment to eat away from work and try to enjoy your meal with other coworkers. 

Avoid eating between midnight and 6 a.m. if possible to help form a relatively normal meal routine, NIOSH recommends.

3. Increased risk for cardiovascular disease

Heart health could be a risk from many years of frequent night shifts. 

Research has made a connection between certain risk factors that could be prevalent in those who work the night shift that are associated with cardiovascular disease, such as smoking and metabolic disturbances, according to NIOSH. 

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER

Those with high blood pressure could be at a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease and diabetes if they work frequent night shifts, according to findings published in August 2022 by the Journal of the American Heart Association. 

Research suggests people who work the night shift have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.  (iStock)

The study spanned over 12 years, in which 36,939 participants in the U.K. Biobank were monitored. 

It was found that those who had high blood pressure and worked night shifts had a 16% higher risk of developing heart disease, diabetes and stroke than those who worked during normal daytime hours, according to the study. 

4. Psychological concerns

Working the night shift can come with many psychological concerns. 

For more Lifestyle articles, visit www.foxnews.com/lifestyle

Individuals who frequently work during the night can experience extreme fatigue and feelings of isolation. 

One mental health concern prevalent for those who work the night shift is depression. 

Extreme fatigue and feelings of isolation are often present among night shift workers.  (iStock)

In 2023, a study was published in the National Library of Medicine backing this concern. 

A systematic review and meta-analysis was done to determine whether there was a link between depression and nurses working night shifts. 

The study found “a significant association between night shift work, the circadian and sleep disruption it causes and the risk of depression in nurses.”