Catheter-associated urinary tract infections

Nosocomial urinary tract infection (UTI) is the most common infection acqui red in both hospitals and nursing homes and is usually associated with cath eterization. This infection would be even more common but for the use of th e closed catheter system. Most modifications have not improved on the close d catheter itself. Even with meticulous care, this system will not prevent bacteriuria. After bacteriuria develops, the ability to limit its complicat ions is minimal. Once a catheter is put in place, the clinician must keep t wo concepts in mind: keep the catheter system closed in order to postpone t he onset of bacteriuria, and remove the catheter as soon as possible. If th e catheter can be removed before bacteriuria develops. postponement becomes prevention. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. and International Society of Ch emotherapy. All rights reserved.