Abstract
Purpose of Review
The widespread use of urinary catheters is associated with a rising number of catheter-associated infections (CA-UTI) and the approach to these infections presents a diagnostic challenge due to difficulty in differentiating this entity from catheter-associated asymptomatic bacteriuria (CA-ASB). This article reviews the current literature regarding diagnosis, microbiology, treatment, and prevention of CA-UTIs.
Recent Findings
Misconceptions surrounding diagnostic technique and indications for testing result in unneeded antimicrobial administration. Due to the substantial burden of CA-UTIs, much emphasis has been placed on prevention and the most successful prevention strategies are aimed at behavioral changes to minimize unnecessary catheterizations.
Summary
There are significant clinical sequelae of CA-UTIs and they pose a substantial burden on the healthcare system. Clinicians must accurately diagnose and manage CA-UTIs to prevent unnecessary antibiotic use which often leads to increasing antimicrobial resistance. In an effort to prevent CA-UTIs, healthcare systems should focus on prevention of unnecessary urinary catheterizations or prompt removal of urinary catheters once they are no longer indicated.
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The authors would like to thank Valerie Burstein for her assistance with formatting.
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Dr. May and Dr. Okamoto declare no conflict of interests.
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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Infectious Disease.
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May, L., Okamoto, D. Diagnosis and Management of Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection. Curr Emerg Hosp Med Rep 4, 136–140 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40138-016-0108-z
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40138-016-0108-z