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Update on biofilm infections in the urinary tract

Lookup NU author(s): Rob Pickard

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Abstract

Purpose Biofilm infections have a major role in implants or devices placed in the human body. As part of the endourological development, a great variety of foreign bodies have been designed, and with the increasing number of biomaterial devices used in urology, biofilm formation and device infection is an issue of growing importance.Methods A literature search was performed in the Medline database regarding biofilm formation and the role of biofilms in urogenital infections using the following items in different combinations: "biofilm," "urinary tract infection," "bacteriuria," "catheter," "stent," and "encrustation." The studies were graded using the Oxford Centre for Evidence-based Medicine classification.Results The authors present an update on the mechanism of biofilm formation in the urinary tract with special emphasis on the role of biofilms in lower and upper urinary tract infections, as well as on biofilm formation on foreign bodies, such as catheters, ureteral stents, stones, implants, and artificial urinary sphincters. The authors also summarize the different methods developed to prevent biofilm formation on urinary foreign bodies.Conclusions Several different approaches are being investigated for preventing biofilm formation, and some promising results have been obtained. However, an ideal method has not been developed. Future researches have to aim at identifying effective mechanisms for controlling biofilm formation and to develop antimicrobial agents effective against bacteria in biofilms.

Publication metadata

Author(s): Tenke P, Koves B, Nagy K, Hultgren SJ, Mendling W, Wullt B, Grabe M, Wagenlehner FME, Cek M, Pickard R, Botto H, Naber KG, Johansen TEB

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: World Journal of Urology

Year: 2012

Volume: 30

Issue: 1

Pages: 51-57

Print publication date: 01/02/2012

Online publication date: 18/05/2011

Acceptance date: 22/04/2011

ISSN (print): 0724-4983

ISSN (electronic): 1433-8726

Publisher: Springer

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00345-011-0689-9

DOI: 10.1007/s00345-011-0689-9

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