Catheter-associated urinary tract infections – A review

Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) are one of the most common hospital-acquired infections and contribute to significant morbidity and mortality in patients. They can cause symptoms such as fever, hematuria, pain, and acute confusion. The most common causative organism is Escherichia coli. The treatment of CAUTIs is often dependent on the urine cultures and sensitivities. CAUTIs account for a significantly large number of hospital-acquired infections. They are often preventable with the right education and management. In obstetrics and gynecology, it is important to have a policy of taking catheters out as soon as feasible to reduce the risk of UTIs as well as health-care costs. In this review we discuss the pathophysiology, treatment, and prevention strategies of CAUTIs and current evidence based perspective.