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Overview
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A catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) occurs when germs enter the urinary tract through a urinary catheter and cause infection. They are one of the most common types of HAIs but are preventable and treatable.
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Signs and symptoms
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\n - Burning or pain below the stomach
\n - Fever
\n - Burning while peeing
\n - Peeing more frequently than usual
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Risk factors
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The most important risk factor for developing a CAUTI is prolonged use of a urinary catheter.
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Causes
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A CAUTI occurs when germs (usually bacteria) enter the body through a urinary catheter and cause infection. The infection can happen in any part of the urinary tract (e.g., kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra).
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Reducing risk
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Patients
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Should
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\n - Understand why they need it and frequently ask healthcare providers if the catheter is still needed.
\n - If the patient has a long-term catheter, they must clean their hands before and after touching the catheter.
\n - Check the position of the urine bag; it should always be below the level of the bladder.
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Should not
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\n - Tug or pull on the tubing.
\n - Twist or kink the catheter tubing.
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Healthcare facilities
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Healthcare workers and facilities can prevent CAUTIs and protect patients with proper infection control processes.
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Quick facts
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\n - CAUTIs are one of the most common HAIs.
\n - About 75% of UTIs developed in hospitals are associated with a urinary catheter.
\n - 15-25% of hospitalized patients use urinary catheters.
\n - CAUTIs are associated with increased morbidity, mortality, healthcare costs, and length of stay.
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Types of catheters
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\n - Indwelling urinary catheter. A drainage tube is inserted into the bladder through the urethra, left in place and connected to a closed collection system.
\n - Intermittent (\"in-and-out\") catheterization. Brief insertion of a catheter into the bladder through the urethra to drain urine followed by removal.
\n - External catheter. A urine containment device is attached to a urinary drainage bag that fits over or adheres to the genitalia. The most used external catheter is a soft flexible sheath that fits over the penis (\"condom\" catheter).
\n - Suprapubic catheter. Surgically inserted into the bladder through an incision in the lower abdomen.
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Treatment and recovery
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Most CAUTIs can be treated with antibiotics and/or removal or change of the catheter. The healthcare provider will determine the best treatment for each patient.
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What CDC is doing
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