Chlorhexidine-silver sulfadiazine-impregnated central venous catheters: in vitro antibacterial activity and impact on bacterial adhesion

The aim of this study was to compare the in vitro activity and the impact on bacterial adhesion of two different catheters, one impregnated with chlorhexidine-silver sulfadiazine (C-SS) and the other not impregnated with antibacterial agents. The antimicrobial coating prevented the bacterial colonization by slime positive Staphylococcus epidermidis in the first two days. The antibacterial activity of the effluents from catheters impregnated with C-SS dissipated by day seven. Our results demonstrated that the surface treatment modified the composition of impregnated catheters and determined different contact angle values of the two catheters (impregnated and not impregnated). Examination of coated and uncoated catheter segments by scanning electron microscopy showed a good correlation with the results of adherence experiments. In conclusion, the findings suggest that C-SS coated catheters prevent in vitro bacterial adhesion.