Antibiotic sensitivity pattern of staphylococcal biofilms formed on hemodialysis catheters

Abstract

Introduction: Initiation of hemodialysis is commonly performed using non-tunneled dialysis catheters. Biofilms formed by staphylococcus aureus within these catheters are the major cause for catheter related blood stream infections. Objective and Aim: Our study aimed at analyzing the effect of ofloxacin, oxacillin and vancomycin on the biofilms formed in non-tunneled hemodialysis catheters. Materials and methods: A total of 50 adult patients with end-stage renal disease receiving hemodialysis through non-tunneled catheters, whose catheters were removed for catheter- related blood stream infection were enrolled into this study.Results: Catheter cultures were positive in 32 patients. Staphylococcus aureus (S.aureus) biofilm was found in 25 patients.All 25 strains of S.aureus were susceptible to vancomycin. Ofloxacin and vancomycin significantly decreased the production of biofilm whereas oxacillin did not affect the production of biofilm.Conclusion: Our study shows that staphylococcus aureus is the most common organism responsible for biofilm formation in the non-tunneled HD catheters.Ofloxacin and vancomycin significantly reduce biofilm production by S.aureus, indicating that these antibiotics may have role in treatment of infections associated with biofilm.