Adhesion Study of Pseudomonas aeruginosa on Different Urinary Catheter Materials

Yogesh B Bele1, Prashant V Thakare2, Niraj A Ghanwate1

  • 1Department of Microbiology, Sant Gadge Baba Amravati University, Amravati, Maharashtra, 444602, India.

Abstract

Insights

Latex Foley catheters show earlier bacterial contamination and biofilm formation compared to PVC and silicone. This highlights material differences in preventing Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections during urinary catheterization.

Area of Science:

  • Urology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Biomaterials Science

Background:

  • Foley catheter material influences bacterial contamination, adhesion, and biofilm formation.
  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm formation is a significant virulence factor in catheter-associated urinary tract infections.
  • Increased catheterization duration correlates with higher contamination and biofilm adhesion risks.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate bacterial adherence to different Foley urinary catheter materials.
  • To compare the susceptibility of latex, PVC, and silicone Foley catheters to bacterial attachment and biofilm formation.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of 300 used urinary catheters for bacterial contamination.
  • Assessment of biofilm formation using the tissue culture plate method.
  • Exposure of new catheter materials (latex, PVC, silicone) to P. aeruginosa and SEM analysis for surface morphology and biofilm.

Main Results:

  • 270 out of 300 catheters were contaminated; 49% contained P. aeruginosa with consistent biofilm.
  • Latex Foley catheters showed P. aeruginosa contamination at 72 hours.
  • PVC and silicone catheters were infected at 120 hours, with SEM confirming biofilm formation.

Conclusions:

  • Latex Foley catheters are more susceptible to early P. aeruginosa infection and biofilm formation than PVC and silicone.
  • Material composition significantly impacts bacterial adherence and biofilm development on urinary catheters.
  • Findings suggest material choice may influence the risk of catheter-associated infections.