CATHETER-ASSOCIATED URINARY-TRACT INFECTION - EPIDEMIOLOGIC, PREVENTIVE AND THERAPEUTIC CONSIDERATIONS

Urinary tract infections (UTI) continue to be the single most common t ype of nosocomial infection, the majority of which are catheter-associ ated (UTIc). Restricted use and timely removal of indwelling catheters , strict adherence to the principles of closed sterile drainage and us e of antimicrobials, either intentional or concurrent, are the only fa ctors considered to have an appreciable and consistent impact on the p revention or postponement of UTIc. The epidemiology, pathogenesis, pre vention and treatment of UTIc. are discussed in more detail. Targeted antibiotic prophylaxis in carefully selected well identifiable groups of catheterized patients and use of catheters that better resist biofi lm formation and/or have bactericidal properties should be the subject of future prospective studies.