BACKGROUND: Foley catheters, composed of various materials, can affect bacterial contamination, adhesion, and subsequent biofilm formation. Biofilm formation by Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a major virulence factor. As catheterization duration increases, so does the risk of contamination and biofilm adhesion. The aim of this study was to investigate bacterial adherence to different Foley urinary catheter materials.

METHODS: A total of 300 used urinary catheters were analyzed for bacterial contamination. The bacteria isolated from these catheters were studied for biofilm formation using the tissue culture plate method. Sections of new Foley catheters made of latex, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and silicone were exposed to a high biofilm-forming strain of P. aeruginosa to determine which material was more susceptible to bacterial attachment and biofilm formation. The surface morphology of the catheter materials was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

RESULTS: Of the 300 urinary catheters, 270 were contaminated with various uropathogens. A latex Foley catheter became contaminated with P. aeruginosa at 72 hours, while PVC and silicone catheters were infected at 120 hours. SEM analysis revealed biofilm formation on the catheter surfaces.

CONCLUSIONS: Among the contaminated catheters, 49% contained P. aeruginosa, forming a consistent biofilm. Latex catheters were more susceptible to early infection compared to PVC and silicone.

KEYWORDS: Adherence, biofilm, catheter materials, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, scanning electron microscopy