European Journal of Cardiovascular Medicine

Background: Catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) is one of the most prevalent health-related illnesses, account for almost half of all hospital-acquired diseases. The length of catheterization, ICU stay and procedure of catheterisation play a crucial role for developing catheter associated bacteriuria (CAB). Objectives: Aim of this study to determine the incidence and evaluate risk factors of CAB in medical intensive care unit patients Methods: Patients age >45 and <75 years requiring an in dwelling catheter for longer than 48 hours admitted in medical ICU were enrolled. A quantitative urine culture was performed once weekly or prior to removal of catheter or when clinical manifestations of UTI occurred (fever>38C, dysuria, suprapubic tenderness, pyuria). The following variables were estimated age, sex, duration of catheterisation, ICU stay and severity score at admission (Apache II). Results: A total of 110 patients required indwelling catheter were analysed. The incidence of CAB was 10.5% (12/110). Majority of the patients were 56-65 years age predominantly males. The length of ICU stay and duration of catheterisation was significantly associated with bacteriuria. Most common organism isolated from CAB was E. coli followed by Enterococcus species and Pseudomonas species Conclusion: Proper aseptic insertion, maintenance of the catheter by trained personnel, justified use of urinary catheterization and the removal of the catheter as soon as feasible were the key factors to prevent CAB.