A scanning electron microscopic study of urine droppers and urine collecting systems.

In this study we have shown extensive microbial colonization of the surface of urine droppers and urine collecting systems from bacteriuric patients. In all instances there was an extensive background matrix and fibrous strands interconnected the bacteria. A "slime" layer completely encased bacteria on occasion. These observations suggest that incorporation of blockers of bacterial adhesion into the surfaces of these devices should be explored as one method of delaying, or in some cases preventing, catheter-acquired bacteriuria.