A catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) is an infection that occurs in the urinary system due to the presence of a urinary catheter. A urinary catheter is a tube inserted into the bladder to help drain urine, often used in patients who are unable to urinate on their own. CAUTIs can lead to symptoms such as fever, chills, and pain during urination.
These infections are common in healthcare settings, particularly among hospitalized patients. Preventive measures include proper catheter insertion techniques, regular monitoring, and timely removal of the catheter when it is no longer needed. Reducing CAUTIs is essential for improving patient outcomes and minimizing healthcare costs.