A survey of common biofilm microorganisms in indwelling urinary catheters and their antibiotic sensitivity pattern

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to determine the biofilm microorganisms colonizing the indwelling urinary catheters, the antibiotic sensitivity pattern of the biofilm microorganisms isolated and the presence, if any, and the nature of the relationship of some clinical factors to the biofilm microorganism isolated and/or the antibiotic sensitivity pattern. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Indwelling catheter tips of urology patients were collected and processed. Biofilm microorganisms were extracted from the catheters and subjected to culture studies. Analysis of its antibiotic resistance and sensitivity pattern was performed. RESULTS: E. coli was the most common microorganism isolated in the biofilms of indwelling catheter. Imipenem and nitrofurantoin showed high sensitivity in all isolated biofilm microorganisms. The presence of co morbidity and the previous use of antibiotics were two factors found to be significantly associated with antibiotic sensitivity/resistance patterns. CONCLUSION: In dealing with catheter related infections, one should consider local antibiotic sensitivity pattern of E. coli. Based on this study, nitrofurantoin or imipenem can be expected to be effective empiric treatment for catheter related urinary track infections.