Catheter-associated Urinary Tract Infection Basics

Overview

A catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) occurs when germs enter the urinary tract through a urinary catheter and cause infection. They are one of the most common types of HAIs but are preventable and treatable.

Signs and symptoms

• Burning or pain in the lower abdomen (i.e., below the stomach)
• Fever
• Burning while peeing
• Peeing more frequently than usual

Risk factors

The most important risk factor for developing a CAUTI is prolonged use of a urinary catheter.

Causes

A CAUTI occurs when germs (usually bacteria) enter the body through a urinary catheter and cause infection. The infection can happen in any part of the urinary tract (e.g., kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra).

Reducing risk

Patients with a urinary catheter should:

• Understand why they need it and frequently ask healthcare providers if the catheter is still needed.
• If the patient has a long-term catheter, they must clean their hands before and after touching the catheter.
• Check the position of the urine bag; it should always be below the level of the bladder.

Patients with a urinary catheter should not:

• Tug or pull on the tubing.
• Twist or kink the catheter tubing.

Healthcare workers and facilities can prevent CAUTIs and protect patients with proper infection control processes.

Quick facts

• CAUTIs are one of the most common HAIs.
• About 75% of UTIs developed in hospitals are associated with a urinary catheter.
• 15-25% of hospitalized patients use urinary catheters.
• CAUTIs are associated with increased morbidity, mortality, healthcare costs, and length of stay.

Types of catheters

• Indwelling urinary catheter. A drainage tube is inserted into the bladder through the urethra, left in place and connected to a closed collection system.
• Intermittent ("in-and-out") catheterization. Brief insertion of a catheter into the bladder through the urethra to drain urine followed by removal.
• External catheter. A urine containment device is attached to a urinary drainage bag that fits over or adheres to the genitalia. The most used external catheter is a soft flexible sheath that fits over the penis ("condom" catheter).
• Suprapubic catheter. Surgically inserted into the bladder through an incision in the lower abdomen.

Treatment and recovery

Most CAUTIs can be treated with antibiotics and/or removal or change of the catheter. The healthcare provider will determine the best treatment for each patient.

What CDC is doing

• Tracking CAUTIs through the National Healthcare Safety Network.
  • Data is also available on the AR & Patient Safety Portal.
• Working closely with health departments, other federal agencies, healthcare providers and patients to prevent infections caused by CAUTIs and slow the spread of resistant germs.