EPIDEMIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF CATHETER-ASSOCIATED URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS IN ADULT INTENSIVE CARE UNITS IN THE STATE OF SÃO PAULO

Abstract

This article aimed to analyze the epidemiological profile of urinary tract infections associated with indwelling urinary catheters (CAUTIs) in adult intensive care units (ICUs) in the state of São Paulo from 2014 to 2023, seeking to identify occurrence patterns, predominant etiological agents, and implemented prevention strategies. The study used an ecological, retrospective, and observational methodology, based on secondary data provided by the State Health Department's Epidemiological Surveillance Center. The results showed a progressive reduction in the incidence density of CAUTIs, decreasing from 4.20 to 1.04 infections per 1,000 device-days during the analyzed period, representing a cumulative reduction of 75.2%. The 2023 microbiological profile highlighted the prevalence of Klebsiella pneumoniae (31.2%), followed by Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida spp. It is concluded that preventive actions, such as institutional protocols, professional training, and continuous surveillance, were crucial for improving the indicators. However, the heterogeneity among institutions points to the need for more targeted and sustained interventions to consolidate the progress achieved.