Catheter-associated UTI

Alternative names:

urinary tract infection associated with a catheter; UTI 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). Foreign materials within the urinary tract create a focus for bacteria to grow on. They irritate the membrane lining the urinary tract, and this disrupts the system's defense against infection.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

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.