The Microbiological Burden of Short-Term Catheter Reuse in Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury: A Prospective Study

Biomedicines, 2023 · DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11071929 · Published: July 7, 2023

Simple Explanation

This study looks at how reusing catheters affects the amount of bacteria and changes to the catheter surface in people with spinal cord injuries. Catheter reuse is common, but there are concerns about infection. Ten people with spinal cord injuries reused their catheters for three days, and the researchers collected urine and catheter samples to check for bacteria and used special imaging techniques to look at the catheter surfaces. The study found that reusing catheters can lead to changes in the catheter surface and the presence of bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics, potentially increasing the risk of urinary tract infections in people with spinal cord injuries.

Study Duration

3 days

Participants

10 individuals with chronic SCI

Evidence Level

Prospective Study

Key Findings

1
Catheter swab cultures showed no growth after 48 h (47.8%), skin ﬂora (28.9%), mixed ﬂora (17.8%), or bacterial growth (5.5%).
2
Asymptomatic bacteriuria was found for most participants at baseline (n = 9) and all at follow-up (n = 10).
3
SEM images demonstrated structural damage, bioﬁlm and/or bacteria on all reused catheter surfaces.

Research Summary

This study examined the microbiological burden and catheter surface changes associated with short-term reuse. Catheter surface changes and the presence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria were evident following short-term reuse, which may increase susceptibility to CAUTI in individuals with SCI despite asymptomatic bacteriuria. Our preliminary ﬁndings are consistent with those reported previously, suggesting catheter surface damage, debris and bioﬁlm deposition, and bacterial colonization occurs with consecutive short-term catheter reuse in people with SCI.

Practical Implications

Clinical Practice

Findings highlight the risk of catheter reuse and emphasize adherence to single-use guidelines to minimize CAUTI risk.

Future Research

Further studies are needed to investigate effective cleaning methods and the impact of catheter material on bacterial colonization.

Patient Education

Educate patients with SCI on the risks associated with catheter reuse and promote proper hygiene practices.

Study Limitations

1
Variability in catheter reuse patterns and cleaning routines
2
Presence of bacteriuria at baseline limited determination of progressive differences
3
Small sample size limits the generalizability of the results

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