Catheter associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI)

Catheter-associated urinary tract infection is the most frequent HAI, and a large proportion of it is caused by indwelling urinary catheters.(1)

These infections are often caused by urinary catheters and can result in serious complications that cause a great deal of suffering for the patient, a higher mortality rate, and increased healthcare costs. (2)

The natural process of protecting the urinary tract against bacteria or other microbes (urethral immune defense, regular emptying of bladder) is compromised during catheterization, and the risk for invasion of bacteria and subsequent infections increases with every day of catheterization.

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How does CAUTI occour?

CAUTI occurs when bacteria enter the urinary tract or bladder. It is common that bacteria adhere, colonize and form biofilm on the catheter inner and/or outer surface.

The bacteria might come from the patient herself or from external sources such as personnel, other patients or medical devices. Bacteria forming biofilm are more resistant to the patient’s immune system and antibiotics.

Common symptoms of CAUTI

  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Urgency
  • Pelvic pain
  • Bladder and/or urethral pain
  • Nausea
  • Loss of appetite

Urosepsis

Urosepsis is a severe condition that arises when a urinary tract infection (UTI) progresses unchecked, potentially spreading to the kidneys and leading to more significant pain and illness. This can escalate into urosepsis, a form of sepsis that originates from the urinary tract. Urosepsis is particularly prevalent among individuals who have limited or no sensation below the waist, such as those with spinal injuries, or who are unable to communicate effectively, like stroke victims or patients with severe developmental disabilities. These individuals might not be able to express discomfort or pain, delaying the detection and treatment of the infection.

Sepsis occurs when the body’s response to an infection becomes overwhelming, leading to widespread inflammation and potentially rapid organ failure. It is a critical condition that can be fatal if not promptly and properly managed. Globally, sepsis is a leading cause of mortality and long-term disability, affecting millions of people annually. Effective treatment of sepsis requires rapid diagnosis and timely medical intervention, typically including the administration of antibiotics and supportive care to stabilize the patient and restore normal organ function. Recognizing the early signs of sepsis and initiating immediate treatment are paramount in improving survival rates and outcomes.

69% risk reduction of CAUTI with Bactiguard’s Technology

A recently published (March 2021), large, randomized, controlled multicenter study in India with 1,000 patients included, shows that urinary catheters with Bactiguard’s coating for infection prevention reduce the risk of catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI) by 69 % compared to standard catheters.3 The study was published in the internationally renowned scientific journal “Antimicrobial resistance and infection control”. Read more about the study.

Read more about Bactiguard’s infection prevention urinary catheter BIP Foley Catheter >>>

Bactiguard reduces microbial adhesion on the catheter surface

The Bactiguard technology (Bactiguard Infection Protection) is based on a very thin noble metal alloy coating, firmly attached to the catheter surface. When in contact with fluids (urine), the noble metals create a galvanic effect which reduces microbial adhesion. This means that less bacteria adhere to the catheter surface, which reduces the risk of biofilm formation leading to infection.

The BIP Foley catheters are intended for patients catheterized longer than two days. Less than two days usage rarely leads to infection and a standard catheter can be used.

References:
1. Klevens RM et al. Estimating health-care associated infections and deaths in U.S. hospitals, 2002 Public Health Rep. 2007 Mar–Apr;122(2):160-6.
2. Kalra Op et al. J Glob Infect Dis. 2009 JAN;1(1):57-63.
3. Kai-Larsen, Y., Grass, S., Mody, B. et al. Foley catheter with noble metal alloy coating for preventing catheter-associated urinary tract infections: a large, multi-center clinical trial. Antimicrob Resist Infect Control 10, 40 (2021).