Urinary catheters are usually inflated with water, but this often results in bacterial build-up leading to catheter encrustration and blockage. David Stickler and colleagues from Cardiff University, UK, report on laboratory assessments of an artificial bladder infected with the bacterium Proteus mirabilis.
The catheters drained freely for at least a week when balloons were inflated with a solution of the antibacterial triclosan. Triclosan became impregnated throughout the silicone catheter material and completely inhibited the formation of crystalline biofilm, whereas catheters inflated with water became blocked within 24 hours. David Stickler comments: "Our observations suggest an approach that could have practical applications in controlling catheter encrustation. The method does not disturb the integrity of the closed drainage system and could be used to deliver other agents, including antibiotics, through retention balloons. Treatment of catheter-associated urinary tract infections by delivering antibacterials directly to the bladder could avoid the selection of antibiotic-resistant gut flora by oral administration of drugs."
Contact: Dr David Stickler, Cardiff School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3TL, UK; T) +44 (0)2920 874311; F) +44 (0)2920 874305; E) stickler@cardiff.ac.uk
Journal
The Lancet