Biofilm Production by Uropathogens Causing Catheter Associated Urinary Tract Infection among ICU Patients.

BACKGROUND: - Biofilm is slimy layer of an extracellular matrix made of polymeric substances, colony providing resistance not only against antibiotics but also against the human immune system. AIM- Biofilm production by uropathogens causing catheter associated urinary tract infection among ICU patients. Objectives- To identify & isolates the pathogen from urinary samples, determine AST of the isolated pathogens & detect the biofilm production of isolated pathogens. MATERIAL AND METHODS: - Uropathogens isolates from clinical samples received in the department of microbiology over a period of 1 year were included in the study. Isolates were identified and species determined by standard methods. Antibiotic susceptibility test was done by Kirby Bauer disc diffusion test and Biofilm detected by Congo red agar method. RESULT: - A total of 233 isolates were used to check biofilm formation out of which 104(46.63%) showed strong biofilm formation and 98 isolates were negative biofilm producers by Congo red test. The majority of strains that formed strong biofilms were Escherichia coli (49) and Enterococcus spp. (19). On the other hand,12 Escherichia coli strains showed weak slime formation with 2 Staphylococci strains. Furthermore, out of all samples, 15(6.43%) were indeterminate for any biofilm formation. Out of those 233 isolated strains, the pattern of antibiotic resistance indicated that the greatest proportion of isolates were resistant to NX (norfloxacin) (97%), AMP Ampicillin (90%), and followed by GEN Gentamycin (69%). CONCLUSION: - In conclusion, the prevalence of biofilm-dependent CAUTI was high, with E. coli represented the highest biofilm producer. Therefore, minimizing the duration of catheterization as possible and the usage of silicone catheter instead of latex are recommended. Using carbapenems in treatment of biofilm-dependent CAUTI should be considered.