Valutazione della contaminazione di cannule endovenose in animali ospedalizzati.

The purpose of this work is to evaluate the presence of Staphylococcus on cannulas from the Veterinary Hospital and the germ's ability to produce biofilm. For this purpose we have analysed 109 samples from dogs, cats and horses. Bacterial contamination was evaluated by bacteriological examination, biofilm production by Congo Red Agar. 36,4% of samples from dogs and cats and 50% of sample from horse were contaminated. The most frequent isolated bacteria in dogs and cats were Staphylococcus spp., and Bacillus spp. in horses. Antimicrobial treatment and duration of catheter placement showed statistical significant association with catheter microbial colonisation. 22,6% Staphylococcus isolates were biofilm producers. Duration of catheter placement shows no statistical significant correlation with biofilm´s production. Finally, there is a weak correlation between biofilm production and antimicrobial treatment.