Editing Urinary Tract Infections (section)

== Catheter-associated bacteriuria ==

=== Epidemiology ===
* '''Most common nosocomial infection'''
** 80% of nosocomial UTIs are secondary to an indwelling urethral catheter

=== Pathogenesis ===
* '''Closed drainage is the most effective measure at reducing catheter-associated UTI'''

=== Diagnosis and Evaluation ===
* Most patients are asymptomatic

=== Management ===
* '''Patients with indwelling catheters should be treated only if they become symptomatic (e.g., febrile).'''
** '''Urine cultures should be performed before initiating antimicrobial therapy.'''
** The antimicrobial agent should be discontinued within 48 hours of resolution of the infection.
** '''If the catheter has been indwelling for several weeks, encrustation may shelter bacteria from the antimicrobial agent; therefore the catheter should be changed. [Unclear but likely does not need to be changed if asymptomatic]'''