PREVENTION OF CATHETER-ASSOCIATED URINARY-TRACT INFECTION BY MEATAL DISINFECTION

The incidence of catheter-associated urinary tract infections (UTIs) b ecomes higher with prolongation of the indwelling period of a catheter . As to the entry of bacteria, ascending UTIs have now attracted atten tion. In the present study, the meatal area was examined bacteriologic ally and the possibility to use antiseptics for blocking the route of developing infections was investigated. The subjects included 72 patie nts with an indwelling, urethral catheter inserted postoperatively. Th ese patients were divided into three groups treated with once or twice daily application of povidone-iodine or once daily application of pov idone-iodine cream. In these groups, the relation between changes in i solation of bacteria from the meatal area and the incidence of UTI was evaluated. It was found that reduction in bacterial count by antiseps is is effective to prevent ascending UTIs. Moreover, once daily applic ation of povidone-iodine was proven to be effective in male patients. The effective antisepsis in females was twice daily application of pov idone-iodine.