Recent developments in preventing catheter-related infections based on biofilms: A comprehensive review

Urinary and vascular catheters are among the most commonly used medical devices. However, infections caused by biofilm formation on the surface of catheters are a major cause of healthcare-associated infections. Traditional methods, such as using antimicrobials to prevent such infections, generally have short-term effects, and treatment is challenging owing to the emergence of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria. This review aims to evaluate the limitations of conventional catheter-related infection prevention efficacy, such as currently used antimicrobials, and analyze the efficacy and limitations of potential alternatives to prevent catheter-related infections that have not yet been commercialized, classified by the transition stages of biofilm formation. We intend to provide profound insights into the ideal technologies for preventing catheter-associated tract infections and present perspectives on future directions in this field.