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Updated: Sep 15, 2025
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An In Vitro Bladder Model of Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection
Published on: June 24, 2025
358
An In Vitro Bladder Model of Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection
Ocean E Clarke1, Vicky Bennett2, Brian V Jones3
1The Department of Clinical Infection, Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Liverpool; Department of Life Sciences, The University of Bath.
Journal of Visualized Experiments : Jove
|July 14, 2025
Summary
This study presents an in vitro model to investigate catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) and biofilm formation. The model aids in understanding CAUTI pathogenesis and evaluating new antimicrobial products for catheter maintenance.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) are prevalent healthcare-associated infections.
- Biofilm formation on urinary catheters is central to CAUTI pathogenesis, leading to catheter blockage and severe complications like pyelonephritis and septicaemia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish a reliable in vitro model for studying CAUTI and catheter biofilm formation.
- To provide a platform for the pre-clinical evaluation of antimicrobial catheter maintenance products.
Main Methods:
- Development of an in vitro model simulating the clinical catheter closed drainage system.
- Utilizing the model to assess biofilm formation under representative conditions.
- Application of the model to test the efficacy of antimicrobial catheter maintenance products.
Main Results:
- The in vitro model successfully replicates key aspects of CAUTI and catheter biofilm development.
- The model facilitates the evaluation of antimicrobial product efficacy in preventing biofilm formation and catheter blockage.
Conclusions:
- The described in vitro bladder model is a valuable tool for CAUTI research.
- This model supports the development and evaluation of strategies to combat CAUTI and improve catheter care.
