The Ins and Outs of Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection

Abstract

Over half of all urinary tract infections {UTIs) in hospitals are hospital-acquired {nosocomial). UTls comprise 20-40% of all nosocomial infections. More than 80% of nosocomial UT!s are related to the presence of an indwelling catheter (IDC). Whilst IDCs are an essential component in modern medical care (at least 10% of patients are catheterised at some stage), it is estimated that about 30% of catheter days could be avoided.