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Characterization of biofilm and encrustation on ureteric stents in vivo
Author(s) -
KEANE P.F.,
BONNER M.C.,
JOHNSTON S.R.,
ZAFAR A.,
GORMAN S.P.
Publication year - 1994
Publication title -
british journal of urology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.773
H-Index - 148
eISSN - 1464-410X
pISSN - 0007-1331
DOI - 10.1111/j.1464-410x.1994.tb07557.x
Subject(s) - biofilm , stent , enterococcus faecalis , in vivo , bacteria , microbiology and biotechnology , medicine , antibiotics , urinary system , proteus , chemistry , surgery , biology , escherichia coli , biochemistry , staphylococcus aureus , gene , genetics
Objective To examine the relationship between encrustation and microbial biofilm formation on indwelling ureteric stents. Patients and methods Ureteric stents from 40 patients were examined for the presence of a microbial biofilm and encrustations. Bacteria in stent biofilms were isolated and identified. Results A profuse biofilm (> 10 4 c.f.u. cm 3–3 ) was identified on 1J (28%) stents. Enterococcus faecalis was the most common biofilm organism identified and Proteus spp. were not present. Encrustation was seen in 23 (58%) of stents and was not associated with the level of urinary calcium. The major risk factor for stent encrustation was the presence of urolithiasis. Importantly, there was no causative link between stent biofilm formation and encrustation. Both biofilm formation and encrustation increased with the duration of stenting. Conclusion The results indicate that polyurethane is readily encrusted and colonized by bacteria in vivo despite antibiotic prophylaxis. Newer materials must be sought if effective long‐term stenting is to be achieved.