title: New aspects in the pathogenesis and prevention of polymer-associated foreign-body infections caused by coagulase-negative staphylococci.
abstract: The significance of polymer-associated infections caused by coagulase-negative staphylococci is discussed. The aspects of bacterial adhesion to polymeric materials as the first important pathogenetic step in the development of such infections are treated. The role of extracellular slime substance (ESS) produced by the bacteria in the pathogenesis is elucidated and newer results concerning the interference of ESS with host defense mechanisms and antibiotic therapy are presented. As an approach to the prevention of polymer-associated foreign-body infections, the modification of the polymeric materials is introduced. Results of recent studies to achieve antiadhesive materials by radiation modification of polymers as well as the development of antimicrobial surfaces by incorporating or bonding antibiotics to polymers are presented.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, University of Cologne, Federal Republic of Germany.
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Jansen
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Schumacher-Perdreau
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Peters
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Pulverer
mesh_terms: D001422:Bacterial Adhesion; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D002404:Catheterization / Q000009:adverse effects; D005547:Foreign Bodies / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D010587:Phagocytosis; D011108:Polymers; D011135:Polysaccharides, Bacterial / Q000502:physiology; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D013203:Staphylococcal Infections / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D013210:Staphylococcus / Q000502:physiology*; D013499:Surface Properties; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D011108:Polymers; D011135:Polysaccharides, Bacterial