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A study of the structure of the crystalline bacterial biofilms that can encrust and block silver Foley catheters

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Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the structure of the crystalline bacterial biofilms that encrust and block silver/hydrogel-coated latex catheters. Scanning electron microscopy was used to examine the crystalline deposits that were found encrusting catheters obtained from six patients undergoing long-term catheterization in a community setting. Large populations of bacilli and cocci were seen on all catheters developing on a basal foundation layer of crystalline material. These observations show that in patients prone to catheter encrustation, crystalline material formed in the urine can cover the surfaces of silver catheters. Extensive bacterial biofilms then develop on the crystals, shielded from the underlying silver. It is suggested that if antimicrobials are to be incorporated into catheters to prevent encrustation, they must diffuse out from the catheter surface and reduce the viable cell populations of the urease producing bacteria that elevate the urinary pH and trigger crystal formation.

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Acknowledgment

We are grateful for the help of community nursing staff of the Bristol Primary Care Trust in the collection of the catheters.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Cardiff School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF10 3TL, Wales, UK

    Sheridan D. Morgan & David J. Stickler

  2. The BioMed Centre, Bristol Institute of Urology, Southmead Hospital, Bristol, UK

    Deborah Rigby

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  1. Sheridan D. Morgan
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  2. Deborah Rigby
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  3. David J. Stickler
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Correspondence to David J. Stickler.

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Morgan, S.D., Rigby, D. & Stickler, D.J. A study of the structure of the crystalline bacterial biofilms that can encrust and block silver Foley catheters. Urol Res 37, 89–93 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00240-009-0176-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00240-009-0176-6

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