Mrs. Karen Hubbard1, Ms Vivian Leung1,2,3, Associate Professor Caroline Marshall1,2,3
1Infection Prevention and Surveillance Service, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Australia, 2Department of Infectious Diseases, Melbourne, Australia, 3University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Australia
Biography:
Vivian is an experienced Epidemiologist with a demonstrated history of working in the hospital & health care industry. Skilled in Statistical Data Analysis, Epidemiology, Healthcare, Disease Surveillance, and Medicine. Strong research professional with a Master of Public Health (MPH) focused in Biostatistics & Epidemiology from University of Melbourne.
Abstract:
Background
Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) are a significant cause of morbidity and healthcare costs in acute care settings. CAUTI surveillance is essential for identifying infection trends and implementing targeted prevention strategies. We aimed to establish baseline CAUTI rates and describe our experience of performing hospital wide CAUTI surveillance.
Methods
Data for all patients with a positive urine culture between July 2024 and April 2025 were reviewed prospectively. CAUTI cases were identified according to VICNISS definitions, with remaining records classified as either healthcare associated UTI, community associated, IDC in situ and asymptomatic, or no IDC and asymptomatic.
Results
During the 10-month period, a total of 1394 urine culture positive results were reviewed for 982 patients. Community associated UTIs were most common, followed by healthcare associated UTI, compromising 56.2% and 9.5% of positive urine cultures reviewed, respectively. Only 6% were identified as CAUTI. The overall CAUTI rate was 3.7 (95% CI: 3.0 – 4.5) per 1,000 catheter-days.
Conclusion
The baseline surveillance data highlight the low prevalence of CAUTIs within our hospital, accounting for only a small proportion of all positive urine cultures. Hospital wide CAUTI surveillance presents significant logistical and resource challenges. A more in-depth analysis is required to determine the most efficient and impactful allocation of surveillance resources.