A Study of Risk Factors for Catheter Associated Urinary Tract Infection

INTRODUCTION: CAUTI forms 30-40% of all nosocomial infection worldwide. Complications associated with CAUTI lead to prolonged hospital stay, increased cost and morbidity. Understanding the risk factors for catheter associated urinary tract infection is essential for implementing prevention strategies in daily care of our patients. AIM OF THE STUDY: To study the incidence of catheter associated urinary tract infection, its various risk factors and to document the microbiological profile of CAUTI in our hospital. METHODS: 210 recently catheterized (< 24 hours) patients were included. Serial urine culture was done in all patients. CDC criteria for defining CAUTI was used. Patients with positive cultures at the time of catheterization were excluded. The age, sex, indication for catheterization, any co morbid illness, duration of catheterization, breach in the closed system of drainage, catheter size, Hemoglobin and Renal function tests were recorded. RESULTS: Duration of catheterization ranged from a minimum 2 days to a maximum of 12 days (mean 4.85 days). The incidence of CAUTI in this study was 42.9%. Most significant risk factors for CAUTI were duration of catheterization and drainage system (p value < 0.0001). Female gender (OR 6.55) and Diabetes (OR 5.11) were associated with a significantly increased risk. CONCLUSION: The most significant risk factors for CAUTI include duration of catheterization, drainage system and diabetes. Gender of the patient is the only unalterable host factor. Hence an appropriate indication for catheterization, shorter duration, strict control of diabetes and implementing the best catheter care practice measures can help prevent catheter associated urinary tract infections