In vitro Efficacy of Ureteral Catheters Impregnated with Ciprofloxacin, N-acetylcysteine and their Combinations on Microbial Adherence

Background Ureteral catheters are valuable indispensable devices may readily acquire biofilms on the inner or outer surfaces. This study evaluated the efficacies of ureteral catheters impregnated with ciprofloxacin, N-acetylcysteine each alone and in combination on microbial adherence. Methods Antimicrobial durability of ureteral catheters coated, through instant dip method, with ciprofloxacin were determined using modified Kirby-Bauer method. Ciprofloxacin-coated catheters showed zones of inhibition ranged from 15 to 45 mm in diameter (baseline) against nine clinical strains recently isolated from patients undergoing ureteral stent removal. Segments coated with ciprofloxacin, N-acetylcysteine each alone and in combination, through instant dip method, were incubated with the tested microorganisms, washed, sonicated, cultured and the number of viable cells were determined. Results Ciprofloxacin-coated catheters soaked in urine and incubated at 37 °C, maintained antimicrobial activities and produce zones of inhibition that measured 2–10 mm for at least 8 weeks. Effect of ciprofloxacin and N-acetylcysteine coated catheters on microbial adherence were found to be dose dependent. Catheters impregnated with ciprofloxacin/N-acetylcysteine showed the highest inhibitory effect on microbial adherence when compared with controls (85.5%–100%). Conclusion Catheters impregnated with ciprofloxacin, using instant dip method, were shown to have broad spectrum, prolonged antimicrobial durability and high efficacy. On the other hand, Catheters impregnated with ciprofloxacin/NAC showed the highest inhibitory effect on microbial adherence to stent surfaces.