Catheter-related infection is a frequent and serious complication. One factor responsible for catheter-related infection is bacterial invasion at the catheter-insertion site. We have shown that the sustained-release form of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) enhances tissue regeneration and angiogenesis in various pathological conditions. The purpose of this study was to determine whether topical use of sustained-release form of bFGF promotes tissue regeneration around the wound and prevents catheter-related bacterial invasion. Fifty-four male mice (C57BL/6) were divided into three groups according to what was implanted subcutaneously on the back (each group, n=18): a Dacron sheet alone (group A), a Dacron sheet and a plain gelatin sheet (group B), and a Dacron sheet and sustained-release of bFGF (50 μg) (group C). Seven days after the implantation, the tissue immediately above the Dacron sheet was inoculated with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). In histological examinations, group C had a larger granulation tissue area containing a larger amount of collagen tissue and vessels than the other groups. Two days after the MRSA inoculation, the number of MRSA in the Dacron sheet of group C was significantly smaller than the other groups (P&lt
0.01). Pretreatment with sustained-release form of bFGF may prevent catheter-related bacterial invasion. © 2005 Published by European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. All rights reserved.