UTI, catheter-associated

Asymptomatic bacteriuria is common and usually does NOT need treatment in non-pregnant adults unless there are clinical signs of infection or sepsis.

The longer a catheter is in place the more likely for bacteria to be present in the urine (after 1 month most people have bacteriuria).

• Urinalysis should NOT be performed.
• Symptoms of UTI in catheterised patients include fever, delirium, urinary symptoms and sepsis.
• Properly collected urine sample should be sent for culture prior to starting antibiotics. 
• Consider removing or, if not possible, changing the catheter if it has been in place for more than 7 days. But do not delay antibiotic treatment.
• Long-term antibiotic prophylaxis is NOT generally indicated for patients with urinary catheters. This should always be discussed with Micro/ID.
• Treat for 3-7 days according to sensitivity test results, and for oral follow on antibiotics see  UTI, lower treatment according to susceptibility tests
• In general, shorter courses, such as 3 days, are sufficient for patient with early clinical response