[Infections of the urinary tract caused by permanent catheterization. Natural history, infective mechanisms and prevention strategies. An overall review based on our clinical experience and research].

Permanent drainage of the urinary tract by catheters or tubes causes bacteriuria. The potential harmful effects of the indwelling catheter's bacteriuria are related to: time since the insertion of the catheter; location of the catheter (urethra, bladder, kidney); catheter composition (latex, silicone, etc.); type of ineffective bacteria and specific pathogenic mechanisms; health status of the urinary tract being drained (prior radiation therapy, tumors, etc.