Antimicrobial technology could improve lives of catheter users

The scientists who have developed the new technology are presenting their work at the Society for General Microbiology’s Autumn Conference at Warwick University.

According to a statement, researchers at Nottingham University have developed a catheter that can kill most urinary bacteria, including most strains of Proteus bacteria — the most common cause of catheter infections.

The antimicrobial catheter is said to retain its activity for between six and 12 weeks, making it suitable for long-term use, unlike existing commercial anti-infection catheters.

Urinary catheters are commonly used to manage incontinence in the elderly or individuals who have suffered long-term spinal-cord injury.

All catheters become infected after a couple of weeks and Proteus bacteria are responsible for up to 40 per cent of these infections.

The bacterium sticks to catheter surfaces and breaks down urea, causing the pH of urine to rise. This causes deposits of mineral crystals in the catheter that blocks it, preventing drainage.

If unnoticed, catheter blockage can lead to kidney and bloodstream infections, which may result in septic shock.