Biofilm formation on catheters used after cesarean section as observed by scanning electron microscopy

Abstract

The indwelling catheter is routine part of cesarean sections and it has been considered as a main cause of urinary tract contamination. Most strains gain access to the catheterized urinary tract causing low-level bacteriuria that can reach high-level bacteriuria within 24 h. As a consequence biofilm can be produced along the catheter surface. This study aimed to observe the biofilm formation on Foley catheter surfaces used for less than 48 h in 24 women who underwent cesarean section between January and July in a public hospital. Their characteristics were obtained by a questionnaire. The patients catheterization time were recorded. The patients used a silicone coated latex catheter (Euromedical Sungei Petani Malaysia) removed 18—24 h after insertion. Sections of 1.5 cm in length were taken from the proximal and distal regions of the retention balloon divided and cut longitudinally in segments of 0.75 cm. (excerpt)