Characteristics of Biofilm on Tunneled Cuffed Hemodialysis Catheters in the Presence and Absence of Clinical Infection

The outer surface of the extravascular segment of tunneled dialysis catheters in both bacteremic and nonbacteremic HD patients has the thickest biofilm and highest microbiological yield, and biofilm is thicker in patients with bacteremia. This knowledge is important for designing preventive strategies and also in the management of patients with catheter infection.