Catherer-associated urinary tract infections: epidemiological, preventive and therapeutic considerations.
Urinary tract infections (UTI) continue to be the single most common type of nosocomial infection, the majority of which are catherer-associated (UTI(c)). REstricted use and timely removal of indwelling chatheters, strict adherence to the principles of closed sterile drainage and use of antimicrobials, either intentional or concurrent, are the only factors considered to have an appreciable and consistent impact on the prevention or postponement of UTI(c). The epidemiology, pathogenesis, prevention and treatment of UTI(c) are discussed in more detail. Targeted antibiotic prophylaxis in carefully selected well identifiable groups of cathetirized patients and use of catheters that better resist biofilm formation and/or have bactericidal properties should be the subject of future prospective studies.
Hustinx
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WN
Department of Intensive Care & Clinical Toxicology, Utrecht Hospital, HP B00.118, P.O. Box 85500, 3508 GA Utrecht, Netherlands.
Verbrugh
H A
HA