Treatment of catheter-associated UTI in adults

Catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CA-UTI) is caused by similar organisms to those associated with other UTIs (eg Escherichia coli, Klebsiella species). Other pathogens include Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterococcus species, Staphylococcus species and Candida and related speciesHooton, 2010Kizilbash, 2013.

Use the results of urine microscopy, culture and susceptibility testing to guide the choice of antimicrobial therapy for CA-UTI. If response is delayed, up to 14 days of treatment may be required; seek expert advice.

Antibiotic therapy for CA-UTI is often only transiently effective if the catheter is not removed or replaced, because most antibiotics penetrate poorly into catheter biofilm. Treatment without catheter removal can lead to superinfection with resistant organisms.