The urethral catheter — a review of its implication in urinary-tract infection

摘要: The research into acquisition of urinary-tract infection over the last few decades has established three ways in which organisms may gain access to urinary tract catheterized patients: Firstly, during process passing catheter bladder should complete asepsis not be observed; secondly by travelling along urethra small, fluid-filled cavity between and mucosa; Thirdly following contamination drainage system, inside directly bladder. relative importance each route is clear still subject much controversy but it would seem that all these routes have a part play allowing develop. risk patients acquiring so great where possible catheterization avoided. most important preventive measure taken limit duration indwelling catheterization. In addition, considerable amount attempted distinguish other factors might affect rate at patient becomes high-risk identified. evidence indicates increases with catheterization, age, length hospital stay, immunosuppressant treatment, greater female than male serious or fatal underlying disease also more likely develop bacteriuria. Finally, properties urine host defence mechanisms susceptibility individual infection. Identification only problem. next stage formulate criteria for care reduce absolute minimum will hopefully go some way towards diminishing unsatisfactory high levels are currently associated