Bacterial adhesion to urethral catheters: Role of coating materials and immersion in antibiotic solution

Objective:To, determine whether new coating materials (silver and hydrogel) or immersion in antibiotic solution may reduce or prevent bacterial adhesion to urethral catheters. Methods: Precut segment of Teflon-, silver- and hydrogel-coated urethral catheters were incubated with two uropathogenic bacterial strains with and without previous immersion in antibiotic solution. Tobramycin, ceftriaxone and:, ciprofloxacin solutions were used as these antibiotics are commonly administered for the prophylaxis and treatment of urinary tract infection (UTI), especially in hospitals. Results: Microbiological analysis showed that the new coating materials (silver and hydrogel,) did not reduce bacterial adhesion to urethral catheters, whereas immersion in antibiotic solution yielded a statistically significant (p <0.05) reduction in bacterial adhesion to the test items. Among the antibiotic solutions tested, ciprofloxacin performed significantly better (p <0.005) than ceftriaxone, and tobramycin. Conclusions: Immersion in a suitable antibiotic solution may significantly reduce bacterial adhesion to urethral catheters and consequently reduce the risk of UTI in connection with these devices. Although experimental, these findings may be of clinical relevance and provide grounds for further studies in vivo. Copyright (C) 2001 S. Karger AG, Basel.