Colonizations on biofilm layers of D-J catheters under sterile urine conditions.

Objective: To evaluate colonizations onbiofilm layers of Double J (D-J) catheters implanted forkidney stones or ureteral stones under sterile conditions.

Methods: D-J catheters implanted between January2012 and February 2014 and removed in 0-90 days,were examined in microbiology laboratory prospectively.Fifty two patients divided into three groups regardingthe duration of the D-J catheters as; 0-30 days, 31-60days, 61-90 days. The colonization (≥1.000 colony)was reported after biofilm layer on D-J catheter was holdin culture media. The upper, middle and lower parts ofthe catheters were analyzed seperately.

Results: Thirty five patients had symptomatic urinarytract infection or positive urine culture after implantationwere excluded from the study. Colonization on biofilm layer was detected in 11 patients (21.15%) [Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS): 3, Escherichia coli (E. coli): 3, Candida species (Candida spp.): 3, Klebsiella species (Klebsiella spp.): 2]. The rates of colonization according to the duration of the catheterization were; 12.5% in 0-30 days, 18.51% in 30-60 days, 29.4% in 60-90 days (Group 1 vs 2; .696 , group 1 vs group 3; .356 , group 2 vs group 3; .401). The rates of colonization according to the location of the catheter were; 100% in upper and lower parts, 54.4% in middle part (Group 1 vs 2; .011, group 1 vs group 3; , group 2 vs group 3; .011).

Conclusions: Colonization on catheters is possibleeven in the sterile urinary conditions according to thepresent findings. The risk of colonization increases 1.5times in 30-60 days and 2.5 times in 60-90 days comparedto the first 30 days. Besides the risk of colonizationincreases about 2 times in the convoluted edges ofthe catheter compared with the middle part. Thus, D-Jcatheter should be removed as soon as possible and therisk of colonization should be minimalized.