EXAMINATION OF BIOFILM FORMATION AND RISK OF INFECTION ASSOCIATED WITH THE USE OF URINARY CATHETERS WITH LEG BAGS

Urinary catheters and leg bags were simultaneously colonized by Escher ichia coli and Proteus vulgaris using a model urinary drainage system. The system was continuously supplied with filter-sterilized artificia l urine using a diurnal flow pattern. The extent of colonization was d etermined by assessment of both planktonic and biofilm formation over time. Contamination of the catheters resulted in rapid colonization of the whole system within a 24 h period. Contamination of the leg bags resulted in an ascending biofilm formation over a four-day period. Res ults indicated that infection risks could be minimized by changing the catheter and leg bags at least once a week. The design of the leg bag s was not found to influence the rate or extent of biofilm formation.