Foreign body infections: accent on prevention

Pathogenesis: Subsequent to physicochemical reactions, foreign bodies, for example catheters, can be colonized by Staphylococcus early at the time of insertion. Once the foreign body has been introduced, germs adhere to the p roteins deposited on its surface by the host defense systems. A better unde rstanding of the pathogenesis of these infections should help in developing new strategies for prophylaxis. Preventive measures: Aseptic insertion with careful skin cleansing, adapted material, and impregnation of the catheter are all essential factors. It w ould appear that antiseptics are more effective than antibiotics for impreg nating catheters. Silver-impregnated venous catheters have given promising results;similar findings have been reported for urinary catheters. External pacemakers: In case of endocarditis, the best treatment is complet e ablation of the material and antibiotic therapy. Relapse is inevitable if the material is not removed.