Biomaterials Tissue Interaction SIG THE ROLE OF CATHETER FLUID FLOW IN BIOFILM FORMATION

摘要

Of interest to the Biomaterials Tissue Interaction SIG, and other Society For Biomaterials (SFB) members, are the results concerning the effect of fluid flow on the development and growth of bacterial biofilms. Flow corresponding to shear stresses present in catheters during normal clinical operation can unexpectedly enhance adhesion and biofilm formation in some strains of S. epidermidis. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 15 million central venous catheter (CVC) days and 80,000 cases of catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) occur in intensive care units annually,1 while hospital-wide a total of 250,000 cases have been estimated to occur annually in the United States.2 The infections are associated with substantial morbidity, mortality and financial cost. Infectious syndromes, including septic shock, infective endocarditis or suppurative thrombophlebitis, may result from CRSBIs.