# Bacteriostatic and Immunomodulatory Effect of Xylocaine in the Context of in Vitro Bladder Epithelial Cell Infection

## TL;DR

Xylocaine, a common anesthetic, can reduce bacterial growth and biofilm formation during urinary catheter insertion, offering additional benefits beyond pain relief.

## Contribution

Xylocaine exhibits bacteriostatic and immunomodulatory effects against UTI-causing bacteria, despite not being an antibacterial agent.

## Key findings

- Xylocaine reduces biofilm formation by both ESBL- and non-ESBL-producing E. coli.
- Xylocaine treatment lowers bacterial loads in uroepithelial cell supernatant.
- Xylocaine shows slight immunomodulatory effects in uroepithelial cells.

## Abstract

The application of
urinary catheters is associated with pain and
discomfort. Several topical medications are available to ease catheter
insertion, including xylocaine. Here we report that xylocaine, although
not classified as an antibacterial agent, has bacteriostatic properties
against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative etiological agents of
urinary tract infections (UTIs). Xylocaine reduces the amount of biofilm
formed by ESBL- and non-ESBL-producing E. coli. In
addition, xylocaine possesses slight immunomodulatory properties in
uroepithelial cells, and treatment of uroepithelial cells prior to
infection reduces bacterial loads in the supernatant. In conclusion,
xylocaine has multifaceted positive effects when used during the insertion
of urinary catheters.