Bacteriostatic and Immunomodulatory Effect of Xylocaine in the Context of <i>in Vitro</i> Bladder Epithelial Cell Infection

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 <i>E. coli</i>. 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.