Prevalence of healthcare-associated urinary tract infections in Catalonia

Abstract

Introduction: Healthcare-associated urinary tract infections (HCA-UTIs) account for an important number of infections in acute care hospitals (ACH) and long-term care facilities (LTCF). Our objective was to evaluate the prevalence of HCA-UTIs in Catalonia. Methods: Descriptive observational study in which we analyzed the prevalence of HCA-UTIs, including catheter-associated UTIs (CAUTIs) and non-CAUTIs, from point prevalence surveys conducted in 55 ACH (44,734 patients) and 97 LTCF (116,882 residents) between 2013 and 2022 as part of the VINCat program. Prevalence time trends were also assessed by using a Spearman correlation. Results: In ACH, the overall prevalence of HCA-UTI was 1.6%. The prevalence of CAUTI was 3.9%, while the prevalence of non-CAUTI was 1%, with no significant changes over time. CAUTIs were more prevalent in large size and specialty hospitals. Among the 695 HCA-UTIs, 325 (46.8%) were CAUTIs and 370 (53.2%) non-CAUTIs. The overall prevalence of HCA-UTI in LTCF was 3.6%. The prevalence of CAUTI and non-CAUTI was 11% and 2.8%, respectively, with no significant changes over time. Among the 4190 HCA-UTIs, 1200 (28.6%) were CAUTIs and 2990 (71.4%) non-CAUTIs. Conclusion: Most HCA-UTIs, in ACH and LTCF, were non-CAUTIs although patients with a urinary catheter had a higher risk of HCA-UTIs. HCA-UTIs surveillance programs are essential for identifying at risk patients and developing preventive strategies.