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Ency. home > Disease > C > Catheter-associated UTI

Catheter-associated UTI    See images

Overview | Symptoms | Treatment | Prevention

Alternative names:

UTI - associated with a catheter; Urinary tract infection - associated with a catheter

Definition:

An infection of the urinary tract (for example, a bladder infection) that occurs during or after a tube was used to drain the bladder (catheter). catheters can introduce bacteria into the bladder. foreign materials within the urinary tract also create a focus for bacteria to grow on. the foreign materials irritate the lining the urinary tract, and disrupt the system's defense against infection.

Causes and Risks

The presence of a catheter within the urinary tract increases the likelihood of urinary tract infection. It may also increase the difficulty of treating the infection.

If a urinary catheter is left in place for long periods of time all patients will be come colonized with bacteria. An infection may occur if the number of bacteria becomes large or specific pathologic bacteria grow in the urinary tract. Colonization of the urinary tract secondary to an indwelling catheter does not need to be treated in most cases.

Ency. home > Disease > C > Catheter-associated UTI

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