Catheter Associated UTI
A catheter associated urinary tract infection (UTI) is an inflammation or infection of the bladder. This type of UTI is caused by using a urinary catheter. A urinary catheter is a thin tube that is placed through the urethra to drain urine from the bladder.
A urinary catheter is used:
during and after some surgeries
to collect a urine specimen
to monitor accurate urine output
when the bladder isn't working due to illness or injury
What is going on in the body?
When a urinary catheter is put into the bladder, there is a chance that bacteria may be introduced. This may occur if:
the catheter is inserted under unsterile conditions
bacteria spread along the outside of the tube after it is inserted into the bladder
The bacteria multiply in the bladder and cause a urinary tract infection. Bacteria called aerobic gram-negative rods account for most catheter-assocated UTI's.
What are the causes and risks of the infection?
The risk of getting catheter associated UTI are increased in:
females
older people
someone with an underlying illness
The risk increases the longer the urinary catheter is kept in place.
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