title: Prevention of catheter-related infections: the potential of a new nano-silver impregnated catheter.
abstract: Contaminated or infected catheters are a major source of nosocomial infections responsible for >40% of all episodes of nosocomial sepsis in acute-care hospitals. Antibiotics as well as surface modifications with, for example, hydrogels proved to be of little value in preventing the contamination of indwelling catheters. The even distribution of 10(12-13) activated silver nanoparticles per gram in various polymers, e.g. polyurethane and silicone, results in an excellent antimicrobial activity against a broad spectrum of organisms in vitro. Substantial reduction of incrustation of these catheters was also observed. These preliminary experimental data warrant clinical studies.
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology, The University of Erlangen, Loschgestr. 15, 91054 Erlangen, Germany.
authors.forename: U
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Samuel
authors.forename: J P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Guggenbichler
mesh_terms: D018441:Biofilms; D002404:Catheterization / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003140:Communicable Disease Control; D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D007239:Infections / Q000209:etiology*; D012834:Silver
chemical_list: D012834:Silver