INFLUENCE OF SURFACE-MORPHOLOGY ON IN-VITRO BACTERIAL ADHERENCE TO CENTRAL VENOUS CATHETERS

The detailed surface topography of five polyurethane central venous ca theters (CVC) (Hydrocath, Deltacath, Certofix trio, Arrow-Howes and Mu lticath three) was examined by scanning electron microscopy and laser profilometry. The results were correlated with the ability of Staphylo coccus epidermidis to adhere to each CVC. Hydrocath CVC had the smooth est surface, as determined by profile peak values of 0.17 mu m (Ra) an d 0.94 mu m (Rz). These CVC also had the lowest number of staphylococc i adhering to the surface. in contrast, Certofix trio CVC had an irreg ular surface (Ra 1.29 mu m and Rz 6.35 mu m) which was confirmed by sc anning electron microscopy. These latter CVC had significantly more ba cteria colonizing their surface compared with Hydrocath and Arrow-Howe s CVC (P < 0.01). The results suggest that a CVC with a smooth surface , absent of surface defects, may reduce the risk of colonization with bacteria and therefore subsequent sepsis.