Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Medicine - Department of Clinical and Chemical Pathology

Biofilm is a complex bacterial community that adheres to the surface of implanted biomaterial or mucosa and is a leading cause of numerous chronic infections. These infections are generally difficult to treat and frequently require removal of the biomaterial before the infection can be completely eradicated. The presence of biofilm is associated with increased microbial resistance to antimicrobial therapy and resultant treatment failure. Biofilm formation on indwelling urinary catheters is a leading cause of urinary tract infections (UTI) in hospitalized patients. The continued development of this crystalline biofilm blocks the flow of urine through the catheter triggering episodes of pyelonephritis and septicemia. All available types of indwelling catheters are vulnerable to this problem and currently there are no effective procedures available for its control

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