Foley Catheter Biofilm Formation Comparison Study in an In-Vitro Assay

Catheter associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) is the most common nosocomial infection, accounting for more than 1 million patients annually in United States acutecare hospitals and extended-care facilities. Infected urinary catheters are covered by a thick biofilm that contain the infecting organisms. These organisms are embedded in a matrix of host proteins and microbial slime. This biofilm provides a “home” for the organisms and promotes increased drug resistance. These biofilm bacteria are notably resistant to antibiotics, and CAUTI infections cannot normally be cleared without the removal of this most common of medical devices. Novel anti-infective impregnated urinary catheters with anti-infective surfaces have been clinically proven to significantly reduce short term CAUTI (less than 2 weeks).