Metagenomics of the catheter-associated urinary microbiome
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) rank among the most common infections globally, with many healthcare-associated UTIs linked to indwelling urinary catheters. Differentiating asymptomatic bacteriuria and catheter-associated UTI (CAUTI) can be difficult, due to non-specific signs and symptoms. Our lab conducted weekly evaluations of clinical symptoms coupled with urine culture in 19 nursing home residents with long-term catheters. The study revealed persistent asymptomatic polymicrobial colonization by uropathogens, and the bacteria identified as the causative agents of symptomatic CAUTIs had been present asymptomatically for several weeks prior to diagnosis.