[Vascular access infection in patients on hemodialysis].

Infection is a serious complication of catheter use and is associated with high complication and mortality rates. Gram-positive cocci (in particular Staphylococcus aureus and coagulase-negative staphylococci) are the leading cause of bloodstream infections. Due to the increasing prevalence of drug-resistant bacteria the management of these infections can be difficult. Preservation of the catheter can be obtained in case of infection due to coagulase-negative staphylococci, using a combination of antibiotic lock therapy and systemic antibiotic treatment. Catheter preservation is rarely possible in cases of Staphylococcus aureus bloodstream infection because of frequent relapse and the risk of endocarditis, osteomyelitis and septic arthritis.