In vitro evaluation of the efficacy of a silver-coated catheter.
Bacteria commonly associated with nosocomial urinary tract infections were examined in vitro for their relative adherence to latex, 100% silicone-, hydrogel-coated latex-, and hydrogel/silver-coated latex urinary catheters. Degrees of adherence within 2 h were determined with cells radiolabeled with leucine. Adherence was greatest and equivalent on silicone and latex catheters. Adherence of four strains of Escherichia coli to the hydrogel/silver-coated catheter was decreased by 50% to 99% in comparison with the other catheters. Repeat testing with strains of E. coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa with over 50 catheters demonstrated a consistency in the inhibition. The hydrophilic coating of the catheter appeared to be primary in the decreased adherence phenomenon followed by a secondary biocidal effect of the silver ion.
Gabriel
M M
MM
Biology Department, Georgia State University, Atlanta 30302-4010, USA.
Mayo
M S
MS
May
L L
LL
Simmons
R B
RB
Ahearn
D G
DG
D001422:Bacterial Adhesion; D004927:Escherichia coli Infections / Q000517:prevention & control; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007840:Latex; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D011552:Pseudomonas Infections / Q000517:prevention & control; D012828:Silicones; D012834:Silver; D014546:Urinary Catheterization / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation*; D014552:Urinary Tract Infections / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*
D007840:Latex; D012828:Silicones; D012834:Silver