Antimicrobial effects of craniopharyngioma cystic fluid

Abstract Background Tumors are known to increase the risk of infections, more-so in the central nervous system where tumors may require insertion of surgical hardware/shunts such as in craniopharyngiomas. In contrast, our observation demonstrate that infections of surgical hardware are surprisingly scarce in craniopharyngioma cases. In this study, we explore the possibility of antimicrobial effects of craniopharyngioma cystic fluid. Methods The antibacterial effect of samples of craniopharyngioma cystic fluid against the selected human pathogens Escherichia. coli, S. aureus and S. pneumoniae was determined using the agar disc diffusion method. These results were compared with that of streptomycin and ampicillin.Results The samples of craniopharyngioma cystic fluid inhibited growth of gram-positive bacteria (S. aureus and S. pneumoniae) but not the gram-negative bacteria, E. coli. The samples showed highest zones of S. pneumoniae growth inhibition.Conclusion Craniopharyngioma cystic fluid demonstrated significant antibacterial properties against gram positive bacteria. More studies need to be carried out to further elucidate this unique finding.