What factors influence bacterial adherence to medical devices?
Device-related factors, such as the type of plastic polymer, irregularity of its surface, and its shape, can affect bacterial adherence to the device. Additionally, plastic polymers that encase medical devices, as well as the pathogens that adhere to them, are hydrophobic. The greater the degree of hydrophobicity, the greater is the adherence. Polyvinyl chloride favors more adherence than Teflon (duPont, Wilmington, Del), polyethylene more than polyurethane, silicone more than polytetrafluoroethylene, and latex more than silicone; some metals (eg, stainless steel) favor adherence more than others (eg, titanium). An irregular surface of the device favors microbial adherence more than a smooth surface.