Effect of the adhesive antibiotic TA on adhesion and initial growth of E-coli on silicone rubber

Catheter-associated urinary tract infection is the most common nosocomial i nfection, and contributes to patient morbidity and mortality. We investigat ed the effect that the TA adhesive antibiotic had on adhesion and initial g rowth in urine of Escherichia coli on silicone rubber. The TA antibiotic ha d reduced adhesion, and inhibited initial growth of the bacteria on the sur face. Since adhesion and initial growth on the surface are an essential par t of biofilm formation and subsequent infection, we speculate that the TA a ntibiotic coating might decrease the infection rate associated with indwell ing urinary catheter. (C) 2000 Federation of European Microbiological Socie ties. Published by Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.