Tackling catheter‐associated urinary tract infections with next‐generation antimicrobial technologies

Abstract

Urinary catheters and other medical devices associated with the urinary tract such as stents are major contributors to nosocomial urinary tract infections (UTIs) as they provide an access path for pathogens to enter the bladder. Considering that catheter‐associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) account for approximately 75% of UTIs and that UTIs represent the most common type of healthcare‐associated infections, novel anti‐infective device technologies are urgently required. The rapid rise of antimicrobial resistance in the context of CAUTIs further highlights the importance of such preventative strategies. In this review, the risk factors for pathogen colonization in the urinary tract are dissected, taking into account the nature and mechanistics of this unique environment. Moreover, the most promising next‐generation preventative strategies are critically assessed, focusing in particular on anti‐infective surface coatings. Finally, emerging approaches in this field and their likely clinical impact are examined.

High Frequency of Gram-negative Bacilli (GNB) Pathogens in Wounds and Other Clinical Specimens: A Grave Public Health Concern

“…Among the isolated E. coli, the majority of isolates were recovered from urine specimens, suggesting that E. coli is the predominant GNB pathogen causing UTI in Hyderabad. The scenario may become even worse when these E. coli acquire multidrug resistance and are frequently isolated from catheterized patients, causing UTI treatment to become more complicated with an increased risk of mortality and morbidity due to hospital acquired infections [17,18].…”

Piezoelectrically-activated antibacterial catheter for prevention of urinary tract infections in an on-demand manner

“…Additionally, researchers are exploring the use of hydrogels as carriers to load furanone derivatives antimicrobial agents onto urinary catheters, demonstrating better antimicrobial effects compared with traditional Foley catheters [ 20 ]. Actually, most of antimicrobial catheters currently under research rely on antimicrobial drugs [ 21 ]. Piezoelectric materials can convert mechanical stimulation into electrical current with potential antibacterial effects [ 22 ] through controlled stimulus signals, such as ultrasound.…”

Enzymatically Built Nanoenabled Antimicrobial Coating on Urinary Catheters

“…Urinary catheters increase the risk of bacteriuria and potentially severe infection due to the development of biofilms, which, in parallel, can clog the device and compromise its proper function. Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI), in fact, belong to the most-frequent hospital-acquired diseases. , The prevention and management strategies include avoidance of catheterization or frequent replacement and antibiotic therapies, whose factors contribute to patient discomfort and emergence of drug-resistant bacteria. The latter complication escalates the treatment intensity and causes additional side effects, while aggravating the antimicrobial resistance on a global scale.…”