[Urinary infection in patients with short-term bladder catheterization].
BACKGROUND
The aim of the study was to assess the number of urinary tract infections, the time between catheterization and the development of bacteriuria, the route taken by the microorganisms and the clinical relevance of infection in patients with bladder catheterization during a short time.


METHODS
83 patients were evaluated by urine culture from the bladder, urethra, the connection of the catheter and the collecting system, and the collecting bag, on a daily basis during the 5 initial days, with clinical and microbiological follow up to 7 days after the removal of the catheter.


RESULTS
32% of patients developed bacteriuria. The mean interval between catheterization and the development of bacteriuria was 4.1 days. 45% of them were detected within 48 hours after catheter insertion. In 50% the causative organisms were detected in the urethra at least 24 hours previously. In no case the microorganism isolated from the connection between the catheter and the collecting system was subsequently isolated form bladder urine. Bacteriuria disappeared spontaneously in 27% of cases. Antibiotic therapy was necessary in 42%.


CONCLUSIONS
In the study population most urinary infections were due to previous urethral colonization and subsequent dragging into the bladder, in many cases at the same time of catheterization. A non-negligible number of bacteriurias disappeared spontaneously.
Brau Beltrán
J
J
Unitat de Malalties Infeccioses, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona.
Pericas Raventós
R
R
López Valeiras
L
L
Virto Barrio
J L
JL
Prats Pastor
G
G
Verger Garau
G
G
D000328:Adult; D001419:Bacteria / Q000302:isolation & purification; D001437:Bacteriuria / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000382:microbiology; D002175:Candida / Q000302:isolation & purification; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors; D014521:Urethra / Q000382:microbiology; D001743:Urinary Bladder / Q000382:microbiology; D014546:Urinary Catheterization / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014552:Urinary Tract Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000382:microbiology
Estudio de la infección urinaria en pacientes con sondaje vesical de corta duración.