Pathogenesis of urinary infection in patients with acute spinal cord injury on intermittent catheterization

In a small pilot study urinary tract infection in patients with acute spinal injury was preceded by the establishment of Enterobacteriaceae on the introitus, glans and urethra. Those patients who retain the normal flora do not become infected. The first infection most commonly is by Escherichia coli with universal antibiotic sensitivities. Female patients with a history of urinary infections and male patients with a history of bacterial prostatitis are at risk for suffering recurrent infections. Saline or chlorhexidine gluconate pre-catheter preparation does not appear to relate to a continual status free of infection.