Urinary tract infection is the most frequent bacterial infection in residents of post-acute care facilities. Most infections are asymptomatic, with a remarkable prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria of 15%-50% among all residents. The major reasons for this high prevalence are chronic comorbid illnesses, neurogenic bladder, and incontinence management.
We are constantly facing challenges with new types of bacteria, MDROs, etc. so it was interesting that a research team decided to dive a little deeper into urinary tract infections. Back to basics, the majority of urinary tract infections, both asymptomatic and symptomatic, are caused by a strain of E. coli. This bacteria lives in our gastrointestinal tract very comfortably most of the time, however, when it enters the urinary tract, it becomes problematic.
This research team estimated that bacteria from meat sources including chicken, turkey, and pork cause between 480,000 and 640,000 urinary tract infections every year! Overall, the researchers estimated 8% of urinary tract infections caused by E. coli are acquired from meat. Well, yummy! But seriously, the good news is that by identifying these infection causing bacteria in animals BEFORE they are served for dinner allows the veterinarian community to develop and administer vaccines to prevent the growth of the harmful bacteria at the source, the animal!
Are you managing infection rates in your center? Are you identifying resistant bacteria and using your resources to assist in treatment modalities timely? If you aren’t sure, be sure. Get your QAPI team together and review your infection rates, you may be surprised at what you find. Talk to your attending physicians and pharmacy provider to be sure they are familiar with and are adhering to antibiotic stewardship principles. Have nurse managers perform competency checks during peri care/catheter care, hydrate, hydrate. With an “all hands-on deck” approach, you may have an opportunity to prevent infections! Stay informed and stay well!
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