The effect of EDTA instillations on the rate of development of encrustation and biofilms in Foley catheters.

The aim of this research was to examine whether a daily instillation of tetra sodium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) solution could reduce the rate at which encrustation by crystalline Proteus mirabilis biofilms blocks urinary catheters. Sets of three bladder models were fitted with size 14 all-silicone catheters. Tetra sodium EDTA solution was instilled into the catheter following biofilm development.

Tetrasodium EDTA as a novel central venous catheter lock solution against biofilm.

Background: Central venous catheter (CVC)-related bloodstream infections (BSIs) are known to increase rates of morbidity and mortality in both inpatients and outpatients, including hematology-oncology patients and those undergoing hemodialysis or home infusion therapy. Biofilm-associated organisms on the lumens of these catheters have reduced susceptibility to antimicrobial chemotherapy. This study tested the efficacy of tetrasodium EDTA as a catheter lock solution on biofilms of several clinically relevant microorganisms.

In situ diagnosis of intravascular catheter-related bloodstream infection: a comparison of quantitative culture, differential time to positivity, and endoluminal brushing.

Objective: To compare the accuracy of three techniques that do not require central venous catheter removal to diagnose catheter-related bloodstream infection.

Design: Prospective cohort study of central venous catheters from suspected cases of catheter-related bloodstream infection.

Setting: University teaching hospital.

The routine microbiological screening of central venous catheters in home parenteral nutrition patients.

Background & Aims: Catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) is a major complication for patients receiving home parenteral nutrition (HTPN). Endoluminal sampling techniques allow the diagnosis of CRBSI without catheter removal and may allow the screening of asymptomatic patients.

Methods: Over a 5-year period, patients receiving HTPN were offered screening on a 3 monthly basis.

Each lumen is a potential source of central venous catheter-related bloodstream infection.

Objective: To determine the relative rates of microbial colonization of individual lumens in triple-lumen central venous catheters (CVCs) and calculate the chance of detecting catheter-related blood stream infection (CRBSI) if only one lumen is sampled.

Design: Prospective evaluation of CVCs from suspected and nonsuspected CRBSI cases.

Setting: University teaching hospital.

The use of a rapid in situ test in the detection of central venous catheter-related bloodstream infection: a prospective study.

Background: Acridine orange leukocyte cytospin (AOLC) is a highly sensitive and specific test for the detection of catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI). We evaluated the role of the AOLC test in early detection or exclusion of CRBSI and compared the cost of managing patients with suspected CRBSI.

Methods: On the day of clinical suspicion of CRBSI, blood samples were obtained from the catheters for the AOLC test, and peripheral blood samples were obtained for quantitative blood cultures.

Enterococcal intravascular catheter-related bloodstream infection: management and outcome of 61 consecutive cases.

Enterococci are an increasingly important cause of intravascular catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI), but the evidence base for treating such cases is limited. Successful antimicrobial treatment of CRBSI while leaving the central venous catheter (CVC) in situ has been reported for some bacteria, such as coagulase-negative staphylococci, but the effectiveness of this approach for treating enterococcal CRBSI is unknown. We aimed to determine the effectiveness of treatment options for enterococcal CRBSI and whether CVC removal is mandatory.

Typing of Epidemiologically Associated Environmental and Clinical Strains of Listeria monocytogenes by Random Amplification of Polymorphic DNA.

One hundred and three strains of Listeria monocytogenes (Lm), Listeria seeligeri and Listeria innocua of clinical, food, and environmental origin were examined by generating randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD). Using one 10 bp and two 13 bp random primers, epidemiologically related strains, previously shown to be indistinguishable by phage typing, yielded identical RAPD profiles. Strains isolated from the hands of three workers in a retail food establishment showed the presence of a single predominant Lm isolate.