Nosocomial urinary tract infections in adults

An average 40% of hospital-acquired infections are nosocomial urinary tract infections (NUTI). Their frequency depends on hospital ward type and specialty: from 30 to 49% in short stay units, and from 20 to 64% in long stay institutions for the elderly. Some specific risk factors have been identified in post-partum women. The most important risk factor is the duration of urinary catheterization, especially after the 5th day. Death rates are high in nosocomial bacteriema induced by NUTI and NUTI due to multi-drug resistant bacteria or fungi. The great number of NUTIs has a strong economic impact on hospital budgets and justifies implementing efficient prevention measures. (C) 2003 Editions scientifiques et medicales Elsevier SAS. Tous droits reserves.