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Assessment of peripheral venous catheters microbiota and its association with phlebitis
Gustavo Francisco Lopes1, Viviane de Cássia Oliveira2, Rachel Maciel Monteiro3
1Clinical Hospital of Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil; Human Exposome and Infectious Diseases Network (HEID), School of Nursing of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.
Background:
Peripheral venous catheters (PVCs) remain the primary mode of short-term venous access for managing intravenous fluid, obtaining blood samples, and peripheral parenteral nutrition. They may get contaminated and require regular monitoring to prevent complications. This study evaluated the occurrence of phlebitis and its associated-clinical and microbiological indicators.
Methods:
The frequency of phlebitis was evaluated in hospitalized patients of both medical and surgical fields. Subsequently, the dichotomous association between the presence of phlebitis and the clinical aspects was investigated. In parallel, the bacterial contamination of PVCs was assessed through culture-based methods, microscopy observation, and 16S rRNA gene sequencing.
Results:
Approximately one in four patients presented phlebitis (28.4%). The most frequent symptom was erythema at access site, with or without pain, corresponding to Score 1 on the phlebitis scale (17.9%). Colonization of both lumen and external surface of PVC was observed in 31.3% of the samples. Staphylococcus and Pseudomonas were the most isolated bacterial genera on the PVC surface. No significant association was observed between the presence of phlebitis and the clinical aspects, as well as the presence of microorganisms.
Conclusion:
Microorganism were present on both internal and external PVC surface, without being associated to phlebitis.
Insights
Phlebitis affects nearly 30% of patients with peripheral venous catheters (PVCs). Despite frequent bacterial contamination of PVCs, no link was found between microorganisms and phlebitis development.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Clinical Practice
Background:
- Peripheral venous catheters (PVCs) are essential for short-term venous access.
- Catheter contamination is a risk for complications, necessitating monitoring.
- This study investigated phlebitis and its clinical/microbiological indicators.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the occurrence of phlebitis in hospitalized patients.
- To identify clinical and microbiological indicators associated with phlebitis.
- To assess bacterial contamination of PVCs.
Main Methods:
- Phlebitis frequency was assessed in medical and surgical patients.
- Clinical data and PVC bacterial contamination were analyzed.
- Bacterial analysis included cultures, microscopy, and 16S rRNA gene sequencing.
Main Results:
- Phlebitis occurred in 28.4% of patients, with erythema being most common.
- PVC colonization (lumen and surface) was found in 31.3% of samples.
- No significant association was found between phlebitis and clinical factors or microbial presence.
Conclusions:
- Microorganisms were present on both internal and external PVC surfaces.
- The presence of microorganisms on PVCs was not associated with phlebitis development.
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