RELEVANCE OF THE CATHETER HUB AS A PORTAL FOR MICROORGANISMS CAUSING CATHETER-RELATED BLOOD-STREAM INFECTIONS

Microorganisms causing vascular catheter-related sepsis gain access to the bloodstream through either the skin at the catheter insertion sit e or through the catheter hub. The catheter insertion site is probably the predominant portal for microorganisms in catheters in place for a short time, but the catheter hub may play an increasingly important r ole in infection in association with long-term catheters, particularly those that are subcutaneously tunneled. Although transient contaminat ion of the catheter hub does not cause infection, certain microorganis ms may migrate endoluminally and enter the bloodstream, causing bacter emia or fungemia. (C) Elsevier Science Inc. 1997.