Urinary catheter: Can exposure time and gauge affect biofilm formation?

Abstract

Objective: To assess the effects of expos ure time and gauge of Foley catheters in biofilm formation. Method: In vitro study with samples of Foley catheter fragments made of siliconized latex of different gauges (#14 and #16 French gauge). Artificial urine was produced, which was inoculated with Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853) standard bacteria, incubated at 37 °C for 24 hours and 72 hours. The material was analyzed by means of culture (bacterial load) and scanning electron microscopy. Results: There was no difference in bacterial load of biofilms formed in Foley catheter surfaces with regard to different gauges (p > 0.05). On the other hand, exposure time (24 hours and 72 hours) was a determining factor for P. aeruginosa biofilm formation in Foley catheters (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Exposure time had an effect on P. aeruginosa biofilm formation in Foley catheters, regardless of gauges.