CATHETAR ASSOCIATED URINARY TRACT INFECTION

An increasing number of nosocomial infections are caused by urinary tract infections linked to indwelling urinary catheters, which raises healthcare expenditures, patient pain, morbidity, and even mortality. Female gender, length of catheterization, microbial colonization of the drainage bag, and disconnection of the catheter-collecting tube junction are risk factors for CAUTI. The most significant risk factor for CAUTI is prolonged catheterization, despite the fact that catheter-care procedures are advised.

Causes:

When a catheter is inserted, bacteria may enter the bladder through the catheter lumen or through the catheter surface's outside. Around the catheter or on the uroepithelium, a biofilm forms. Elimination becomes challenging because the bacteria enters this biofilm and defends itself against the mechanical flow of urine, host defences, and antibiotics. As the catheter is inserted, this develops at a rate of 3 to 10%. 10% to 25% of patients experience signs of a urinary tract infection. Fewer suffer from sepsis.

Prevention:

Hand cleaning, abstaining from using urine drain tubes, and, if necessary, inserting and maintaining clean urine drain tubes are just a few ways to avoid CAUTI. Always insert catheters when absolutely essential, and remove them as soon as feasible. (Key Preventive Strategies: Only insert catheters when necessary)

References:

1. Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections By Talha H. Imam , MD, University of Riverside School of Medicine