Catheter-associated urinary tract infections

Int J Antimicrob Agents. 2001 Apr;17(4):299-303. doi: 10.1016/s0924-8579(00)00359-9.

Abstract

Nosocomial urinary tract infection (UTI) is the most common infection acquired in both hospitals and nursing homes and is usually associated with catheterization. This infection would be even more common but for the use of the closed catheter system. Most modifications have not improved on the closed catheter itself. Even with meticulous care, this system will not prevent bacteriuria. After bacteriuria develops, the ability to limit its complications is minimal. Once a catheter is put in place, the clinician must keep two concepts in mind: keep the catheter system closed in order to postpone the onset of bacteriuria, and remove the catheter as soon as possible. If the catheter can be removed before bacteriuria develops, postponement becomes prevention.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Infective Agents, Urinary / therapeutic use
  • Bacteriuria / microbiology
  • Bacteriuria / prevention & control
  • Candidiasis / drug therapy
  • Candidiasis / prevention & control
  • Catheters, Indwelling / adverse effects
  • Catheters, Indwelling / microbiology
  • Cross Infection / drug therapy
  • Cross Infection / microbiology
  • Cross Infection / prevention & control*
  • Female
  • Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections / drug therapy
  • Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections / prevention & control
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Staphylococcal Infections / drug therapy
  • Staphylococcal Infections / prevention & control
  • Urinary Catheterization / adverse effects*
  • Urinary Catheterization / methods
  • Urinary Tract Infections / drug therapy
  • Urinary Tract Infections / microbiology
  • Urinary Tract Infections / prevention & control*

Substances

  • Anti-Infective Agents, Urinary