CATHETER-ASSOCIATED BLOODSTREAM INFECTIONS IN INTENSIVE CARE: CURRENT STATUS OF THE PROBLEM

Effective treatment of Intensive Care Unit patients is closely related to the requirement to create a temporary or permanent vascular access for renal replacement therapy, infusion and transfusion therapy and monitoring the patient's condition. The devices used for this purpose – intravascular catheters – are a potential threat to the patient, as they create the possibility of microorganisms' access to the systemic bloodstream, by successfully negating the natural defense mechanisms. The review considers significant factors and pathogenetic mechanisms leading to the realization of infection potential in the presence of a vascular catheter in the bloodstream – catheter-associated infection, as well as diagnostic possibilities, approaches to pathogenetically justified therapy and complex prevention with regard to the achievements of modern medical science and practice.