[Infectious complications of venous catheters]

Infection is the most frequent complication of venous catheters. The various types of infection are defined, followed by a review of the modalities of contamination of a catheter. The microorganism most frequently involved is Staphylococcus. The bacteriological diagnosis of a venous catheter infection is essentially based on semiquantitative culture according to Maki's technique or a quantitative method (Cléri or Brun-Buisson). Bacteriological diagnostic methods are also being developed to allow maintenance of the catheter. Treatment is primarily preventive, while, in addition to systemic antibiotics, curative treatment may also consist of attempts to maintain the infected catheter in place and the so-called "antibiotic lock" technique.