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Updated: May 23, 2026

Biosensor for Detection of Antibiotic Resistant Staphylococcus Bacteria
Published on: May 8, 2013
Anti-microbial locks increase the prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus and antibiotic-resistant Enterobacter:
John J Dixon1, Maggi Steele, A David Makanjuola
1South West Thames Renal and Transplantation Unit, St. Helier Hospital, Carshalton, Surrey, UK. johndixon3@nhs.net
Background:
Anti-microbial lock solutions (AML), in conjunction with systemic antibiotics, may successfully treat tunnelled haemodialysis catheter-related bloodstream infections (CR-BSI). It is unknown whether AML promote anti-microbial resistance.
Methods:
This is a retrospective cohort study of all CR-BSI (2003-2006) in our dialysis unit. Controls (n = 265) were treated with systemic vancomycin and gentamicin. In addition to the systemic antibiotics, the study group (n = 662) received AML containing vancomycin and gentamicin during inter-dialytic periods. Antibiotic sensitivity/resistance profiles of all organisms were analysed. Changes in the incidence of infection (chi-square test) and resistant organisms (Fisher's exact test) were calculated.
Results:
The incidence of CR-BSI decreased from 8.50/1000 catheter days (controls) to 3.80 (study group; P < 0.0001), and the incidence of relapses decreased (P = 0.0027). The number needed to treat to prevent subsequent bacteraemia using an AML adjunct is 3 ± 0.4. The proportion of Gram-positive cultures increased (P < 0.0001), including Staphylococcus aureus (P = 0.03), but the proportion of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (P = 0.87) and vancomycin resistance (P = 0.90) did not. Increased gentamicin resistance (P < 0.0001) and ciprofloxacin resistance (P = 0.04) were observed in Gram-negative cultures. Gentamicin resistance [relative risk (RR) > 15.29; P < 0.0001] and ciprofloxacin resistance (RR = 6; P = 0.007) increased in Enterobacter species, but not Pseudomonas or Escherichia coli species.
Conclusion:
AML decrease CR-BSI incidence, although proportions of S. aureus and anti-microbial-resistant Enterobacter are increased.
Insights
Antimicrobial lock solutions (AML) effectively reduced catheter-related bloodstream infections (CR-BSI) in hemodialysis patients. However, AML use was associated with increased resistance in certain bacteria, including Enterobacter species.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Infectious Diseases
- Clinical Microbiology
Background:
- Catheter-related bloodstream infections (CR-BSI) are a significant complication in patients undergoing haemodialysis.
- Antimicrobial lock solutions (AML), used with systemic antibiotics, are a potential treatment for CR-BSI.
- The impact of AML on antimicrobial resistance remains largely unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of AML in treating CR-BSI.
- To determine if AML use is associated with the development of antimicrobial resistance.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective cohort study comparing CR-BSI cases from 2003-2006.
- Control group (n=265) received systemic vancomycin and gentamicin.
- Study group (n=662) received systemic antibiotics plus vancomycin and gentamicin AML.
- Analysis of organism sensitivity/resistance profiles and infection incidence.
Main Results:
- AML significantly decreased CR-BSI incidence (3.80 vs 8.50/1000 catheter days) and relapses.
- A slight increase in Gram-positive cultures, including Staphylococcus aureus, was observed.
- Increased gentamicin and ciprofloxacin resistance were noted in Gram-negative cultures, particularly Enterobacter species.
Conclusions:
- AML are effective in reducing CR-BSI incidence and relapses in haemodialysis patients.
- AML use is associated with increased antimicrobial resistance in specific bacterial populations, notably Enterobacter species.
- Further research is needed to balance the benefits of AML against the risk of promoting antimicrobial resistance.
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