title: Catheter-associated infections: pathogenesis affects prevention.
abstract: Intravascular catheters and urinary catheters are the 2 most commonly inserted medical devices in the United States, and they are likewise the two most common causes of nosocomially acquired bloodstream infection. Biofilm formation on the surfaces of indwelling catheters is central to the pathogenesis of infection of both types of catheters. The cornerstone to any preventive strategy of intravascular catheter infections is strict attention to infection control practices. Antimicrobial-impregnated intravascular catheters are a useful adjunction to infection control measures. Prevention of urinary catheter-associated infection is hindered by the numbers and types of organisms present in the periurethral area as well as by the typically longer duration of catheter placement. Antimicrobial agents in general have not been effective in preventing catheter-associated urinary tract infection in persons with long-term, indwelling urethral catheters. Preventive strategies that avoid the use of antimicrobial agents may be necessary in this population.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Infectious Diseases Section, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 2002 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77030, USA. trautner@bcm.tmc.edu
authors.forename: Barbara W
authors.initials: BW
authors.lastname: Trautner
authors.forename: Rabih O
authors.initials: RO
authors.lastname: Darouiche
mesh_terms: D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local / Q000008:administration & dosage; D019072:Antibiotic Prophylaxis; D018441:Biofilms; D002404:Catheterization / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002408:Catheters, Indwelling / Q000009:adverse effects; D002710:Chlorhexidine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D012307:Risk Factors; D018805:Sepsis / Q000209:etiology*; D012837:Silver Sulfadiazine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D014546:Urinary Catheterization / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014552:Urinary Tract Infections / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control
chemical_list: D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local; D002710:Chlorhexidine; D012837:Silver Sulfadiazine