INCIDENCE OF URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS IN PATIENTS WHO HAVE BEEN CATHETERISED IN THE EMERGENCY ROOM VERSUS PATIENTS WHO HAVE BEEN CATHETERISED IN THE OPERATION THEATRE OF A TERTIARY CARE CENTRE

Abstract

This study compares the incidence of Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) in patients catheterized in the Emergency Room (ER) versus the Operation Theatre (OT) in a tertiary care center. Conducted over a year with 50 patients, the study found a significantly higher incidence of UTIs in the ER group (40%) compared to the OT group (16%). Despite similar demographics and comorbidities, the ER group exhibited higher UTI rates, suggesting the need for improved infection control practices in the ER. Diabetes was identified as a significant risk factor for Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection (CAUTI). Additionally, high levels of antimicrobial resistance among uropathogens were observed, complicating treatment and highlighting the necessity for judicious antibiotic use and stringent sterility protocols. The findings underscore the importance of targeted preventive measures for diabetic patients and continuous monitoring to reduce CAUTIs and enhance patient safety.