BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to assess the number of urinary tract infections, the time between catheterization and the development of bacteriuria, the route taken by the microorganisms and the clinical relevance of infection in patients with bladder catheterization during a short time. METHODS: 83 patients were evaluated by urine culture from the bladder, urethra, the connection of the catheter and the collecting system, and the collecting bag, on a daily basis during the 5 initial days, with clinical and microbiological follow up to 7 days after the removal of the catheter. RESULTS: 32% of patients developed bacteriuria. The mean interval between catheterization and the development of bacteriuria was 4.1 days. 45% of them were detected within 48 hours after catheter insertion. In 50% the causative organisms were detected in the urethra at least 24 hours previously. In no case the microorganism isolated from the connection between the catheter and the collecting system was subsequently isolated form bladder urine. Bacteriuria disappeared spontaneously in 27% of cases. Antibiotic therapy was necessary in 42%. CONCLUSIONS: In the study population most urinary infections were due to previous urethral colonization and subsequent dragging into the bladder, in many cases at the same time of catheterization. A non-negligible number of bacteriurias disappeared spontaneously.
BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to assess the number of urinary tract infections, the time between catheterization and the development of bacteriuria, the route taken by the microorganisms and the clinical relevance of infection in patients with bladder catheterization during a short time. METHODS: 83 patients were evaluated by urine culture from the bladder, urethra, the connection of the catheter and the collecting system, and the collecting bag, on a daily basis during the 5 initial days, with clinical and microbiological follow up to 7 days after the removal of the catheter. RESULTS: 32% of patients developed bacteriuria. The mean interval between catheterization and the development of bacteriuria was 4.1 days. 45% of them were detected within 48 hours after catheter insertion. In 50% the causative organisms were detected in the urethra at least 24 hours previously. In no case the microorganism isolated from the connection between the catheter and the collecting system was subsequently isolated form bladder urine. Bacteriuria disappeared spontaneously in 27% of cases. Antibiotic therapy was necessary in 42%. CONCLUSIONS: In the study population most urinary infections were due to previous urethral colonization and subsequent dragging into the bladder, in many cases at the same time of catheterization. A non-negligible number of bacteriurias disappeared spontaneously.