[Action of clindamycin on bacteria adhering to plastic materials]

The coagulase negative staphylococci capable of adhering to solid surfaces have been recognised as aetiological agents of infections associated with the presence of plastic biomedical prostheses. The study of antibiotic activity by traditional in vitro methods has proved unpredictive when applied to this type of infection: we have therefore used a calorimetric technique. Like other antibiotics, clindamycin was not effective in eradicating colonisation of biomedical prostheses. Studies on the activity of the antibiotic used in the prophylaxis of these infections in likely to be more promising.