Adhesion of antibiotic-resistant bacteria to patient-applied thermoplastic medical devices.

Adhesion of antibiotic-resistant bacteria to medical device thermoplastics was evaluated by removal sampling at 1 and 24 hours. Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecalis was removed in greater numbers than either methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus or extended-spectrum beta-lactamase Escherichia coli, suggesting less adhesion and greater potential for transfer to patients wearing contaminated devices.