Abstract

Catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) is the most common nosocomial infection, accounting for more than 1 million cases each year in the US hospitals and nursing homes. The significant number of infections and dissemination of resistant bacteria in hospitals make it important to find ways to decrease their incidence. The aim of the study was to describe the incidence and risk factors of CAUTIs. A cohort study was conducted from 2003 to 2008 on every patient who became catheterized consecutively. Variables included age, sex, indications for catheterization, antimicrobials usage, duration of catheterization and hospital stay, and type and colony count of microorganism. The incidence was 21.8, the risk factor identified was duration of catheterization relative risk 1.213, 95% CI (1.0531.398) while usage of antimicrobials was protective relative risk 0.433, 95% CI (0.2370.792). Organisms isolated were: Esherichia coli 23%, Enterobacter 8.1%, Staphylococcus aureus 10.8%, Pseudomonas aeuroginosa 5.4%, coagulase negative Staphylococcus 9.4%, klebsiella 4%, Proteus mirabilis 2.8%, yeasts 9.46%, Enterococcus 4%, Acinetobacter 1.4% and mixed growth of bacteria 21.6%. The incidence of CAUTI was slightly higher than in the studies from the developing countries. Daily monitoring to decrease duration of catheterization is reemphasized.