The effect of antibiotics on bacterial colonisation of vascular cannulae in a novel in-vitro model

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Abstract
An in-vitro model for studying semi-quantitatively the bacterial colonisation of the external and internal surfaces of peripheral intravascular cannulae is described. Using this model, we studied the effect of ciprofloxacin, teicoplanin and fusidic acid on cannula colonisation by Staphylococcus epidermidis. Exposure of colonised cannulae to sub-MICs of ciprofloxacin and fusidic acid reduced bacterial attachment, whereas sub-MIC levels of teicoplanin had little effect. Pre-exposure of S. epidermidis to sub-MICs of ciprofloxacin and fusidic acid also reduced slime production and colonisation. In comparison, pre-exposure of S. epidermidis to teicoplanin 1.0 mg/L did not influence colonisation, whereas at 0.1 mg/L it was reduced. The model allowed investigation of bacterial colonisation of cannulae and offers a screening system for the assessment of potential agents for the prophylaxis and treatment of these infections.