Catherer-associated urinary tract infections: epidemiological, preventive and therapeutic considerations

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Hospital Epidemiology
• Medical Device Innovation

Background:

• Urinary tract infections (UTIs) represent the most frequent nosocomial infection.
• Catheter-associated UTIs (UTI(c)) constitute the majority of these hospital-acquired infections.
• Current prevention strategies for UTI(c) are limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the epidemiology, pathogenesis, prevention, and treatment of catheter-associated urinary tract infections.
• To identify key factors impacting UTI(c) incidence.
• To suggest future research directions for UTI(c) prevention.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and synthesis of existing data on UTI(c).
• Analysis of established prevention and treatment protocols.
• Discussion of epidemiological trends and pathogenic mechanisms.

Main Results:

• Restricted catheter use, timely removal, and sterile drainage are crucial for UTI(c) prevention.
• Antimicrobial use, whether intentional or concurrent, impacts UTI(c) rates.
• Limited factors consistently prevent or postpone UTI(c).

Conclusions:

• Future research should focus on targeted antibiotic prophylaxis in high-risk catheterized patients.
• Development and evaluation of novel catheters with enhanced biofilm resistance or bactericidal properties are warranted.
• Optimizing current practices remains essential for managing UTI(c).