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Published on: January 27, 2015
Biofilms on indwelling vascular catheters
L Passerini1, K Lam, J W Costerton
1Division of Critical Care Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.
Critical Care Medicine
|May 1, 1992
Summary
Bacterial biofilms readily colonize vascular catheters in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. These biofilms form quickly, even on catheters in place for just one day, raising concerns for infection risk.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Biomaterials Science
Background:
- Bacteria readily form biofilms on medical devices, posing infection risks.
- Biofilms are commonly found on various indwelling catheters.
- Understanding biofilm formation on vascular catheters is crucial for patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of bacterial biofilms on arterial and central venous catheters in ICU patients.
- To correlate biofilm presence with patient infection data and microbial cultures.
Main Methods:
- Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) for direct biofilm visualization.
- Scraping/sonication technique for bacterial recovery from catheter surfaces.
- Comparison with skin entry site swabs and blood cultures.
Main Results:
- Extensive biofilm formation observed on 81% of examined vascular catheters (arterial and central venous).
- Biofilms were present on catheters within 1 day of insertion.
- Bacterial cultures from biofilms yielded predominantly skin bacteria, with no strong correlation to blood cultures or entry site swabs.
Conclusions:
- Most vascular catheters in ICU patients harbor bacterial biofilms.
- Biofilm presence on catheters is common and can be confirmed by microscopy and culture.
- Bacterial biofilms on catheters are a potential source of infection and bacteremia, particularly in vulnerable patients.
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