Risk factors for urinary tract infection and asymptomatic bacteriuria after stroke

Urinary tract infections occur in approximately 19% of stroke patients. Urinary tract infections are proven to adversely affect the short-term and long-term outcomes of stroke, prolong hospitalization, and increase treatment costs. This study aimed to determine the risk factors for the occurrence of urinary tract infection and asymptomatic bacteriuria.

This retrospective case-control study was conducted in the neurological intensive care unit, in a tertiary healthcare facility, from July 2018 to July 2022.

Our study demonstrated that older patients with worse neurological status upon admission, were at a higher risk for the occurrence of urinary tract infection. This factor also predisposed the occurrence of asymptomatic bacteriuria. The patients who received ceftriaxone and fluoroquinolone were at a lower risk of developing a urinary tract infection, while carbapenem and vancomycin administration could potentiate the occurrence of a urinary tract infection.

Based on these results, we can identify the patients who are at a higher risk of developing a urinary tract infection and take measures to prevent infection, such as decreasing the duration of catheterization or replacing the urinary catheter more frequently. The results also enable us to identify the patients who are at a higher risk of developing asymptomatic bacteriuria.