New research could lead to聽treatments to prevent blockages and urinary tract infections experienced by many long-term catheter users.
Up to 50 per cent of long-term catheter users experience encrustations and subsequent blockages, which result in severe trauma and pain for the individual and place high burdens on healthcare services and finances.
Using an imaging technique called episcopic differential interference contrast (EDIC) microscopy, researchers from the University聽identified four clear stages to the development of a crystalline biofilm, which leads to encrustations.
The study was presented at the official launch of the University鈥檚 Network on Antimicrobial Resistance and Infection Prevention (NAMRIP) on Monday (14 December). Professor Dame Sally Davies, the Chief Medical Officer for England, was the keynote speaker at the event.
Dr Sandra Wilks, Senior Research Fellow in the University鈥檚 Centre for Biological Science and lead author of the study, said:
鈥淭his has greatly enhanced our understanding of the components and stages involved in the formation of crystalline biofilms and encrustations. It provides important information, which will aid in the development of anti-biofilm materials and treatments to manage and ultimately prevent blockage, improving the quality of life of many long-term catheter users.鈥�
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