Adherence of Candida Species to Intravenous Catheters

The purpose of the present investigation was to quantify adherence of Candida species to two cathether materials in common clinical use. PVC catheters are used extensively for central venous lines, whereas Teflon catheters are generally used for peripheral access. Adherence of Candida species to plastic surfaces may play a role in the pathogenesis of catheter-related candidemia and suppurative thrombophlebitis due to Candida species. Alternatively, adherence to the plastic surface itself may be of minor importance since the catheter may be covered in large part by a sheath composed of fibrin, leukocytes, and epithelial cells. If, however, even small areas of intravascular devices remain exposed to circulating Candida organisms, then adherence to the device may play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of such infections. In a similar fashion, the tendency of Candida species to adhere to plastic surfaces may play a role in the establishment of prosthetic valve endocarditis and complicate the eventual use of artificial hearts.