Bacteriuria invariably accompanies the long-term vesical catheterization. Catheter-associated urinary tract infection is, indeed, the most common nosocomial infection and a frequent cause of significant morbidity, sepsis and death. Most frequently bacteria from urethra ascend to the bladder, between the mucosal and catheter surface, or may ascend within the drainage system. Several factors have been identified that are responsible for the high prevalence of catheter-associated bacteriuria, such as female sex, advanced age, co-existent disease (unalterable risk factors); and indication for catheterization, duration of catheterization, catheter and drainage system care and cross-contamination (alterable risk
factors). Complications of catheterization and/or bacteriuria include sepsis, pyelonephritis, urinary tract stones,
urethral abscess and fistulas, genital infections, bladder cancer, encrustations on indwelling catheter. Effective
strategies to reduce the incidence of catheter-associated infections include sterile insertion and care of the
catheter, prompt removal and the use of a close collecting system. Antibiotic prophylaxis is not routinely used
in patients with indwelling catheters. Symptomatic episodes of infection in patient with catheters should be
treated with antimicrobial agents, as recommended for complicated urinary tract infections. Treatment of
asymptomatic bacteriuria has little apparent benefit in patients with catheters. In constrast, interminttent catheterization
has resulted in lower rates of bacteriuria.

Keywords: 1. Complicated urinary tract infection;
2. Nosocomial infection;
3. Iatrogenic infection;
4. Sepsis.