Enhanced Susceptibility to Subcutaneous Abscess Formation and Persistent Infection around Catheters Is Associated with Sustained Interleukin-1β Levels

A persistent Staphylococcus epidermidis infection in mice around a subcutaneous polyvinylpyrrolidone-grafted silicon elastomer catheter (SEpvp) but not around a conventional silicon elastomer catheter was observed. With SEpvp pericatheter tissue, protracted and exaggerated interleukin-1β (IL-1β) production was found. Apparently, sustained levels of IL-1β are associated with enhanced susceptibility to biomaterial-associated S. epidermidis infection.