Catheter Associated Urinary Tract Infection: Prevalence, Microbiological Profile and Antibiogram at a Tertiary Care Hospital

Background: Catheter associated Urinary tract infections (CAUTI) are the most common nosocomial infection. Though urinary tract catheterization is an important aspect of medical care, its inappropriate use may lead to significant morbidity and mortality, increased hospitalization and financial burden. This study was carried out to identify the etiological agents of UTI and its antibiogram among inpatients with indwelling catheters.Methods: A total of 136 urine samples were collected over a period of 10 months. Microscopic and macroscopic examinations were performed. Isolation, identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed by standard microbiological methods. Statistical analysis of data was done by chi-square test.Results: Out of the 136 patients, 17 (12.5%) developed catheter-associated UTI. Development of significant bacteriuria was not affected by sex, age, urine pH or antibiotic intake however there was significant association be-tween significant pyuria and significant bacteriuria (p<0.001). E coli accounted for 35.3% followed by Klebsiella spp and Enterococcus spp. Cotrimoxazole was the most effective amongst antibiotics tested followed by Nitrofurantoin . Gram negative bacteria were least sensitive to Ampicillin.Conclusion: This study suggests urine culture and sensitivity should be done among the catheterized patients on regular basis. Unnecessary urethral catheterization should be avoided to reduce catheter-related complications.