Healthcare-Associated Infections: Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection (CAUTI)

Reportable by Providers

About this Reportable Healthcare-Associated Infection (HAI)

Infectious agent:  Healthcare-Associated Infections: Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection (CAUTI)

Description of illness:  A urinary catheter is a tube placed in the bladder to drain urine. A catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) can occur when bacteria or other germs travel along a urinary catheter, resulting in an infection in the bladder or the kidney.

This disease/condition should be reported through the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN).

Information About this Reportable Healthcare-Associated Infection (HAI) for Providers

Clinical Summary

  • A catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) is a UTI that occurs in a patient with an indwelling urinary catheter (or shortly after catheter removal). Risk increases with catheter duration, and prevention focuses on using catheters only when necessary and removing them as soon as possible. 
  • Clinical recognition depends on symptoms and clinical context; evaluation typically includes appropriate urine testing ordered by the provider, and management includes clinically indicated antibiotics plus catheter management (e.g., removal/replacement when appropriate). 
  • Prevention practices include aseptic insertion, maintaining a closed drainage system, unobstructed urine flow, and ongoing catheter necessity review. CDC provides infection control guidance for CAUTI prevention in healthcare settings. 
  • In Tennessee, CAUTI is monitored as part of healthcare-associated infection surveillance and reporting through the CDC’s National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) for applicable facility types

Healthcare Provider Reporting

Healthcare reporting requirements apply to all providers located within Tennessee, as well as providers whose patients reside in Tennessee.

Providers must report cases of all diseases and conditions listed through one of these methods:

• Mail or fax a completed PH-1600 form to your local health department or fax to the state health office at (615) 741-3857

• Send automatically via electronic case reporting (eCR). See this TDH webpage for more information on eCR, register at the Trader Partner Registration website, or contact MU.Health@tn.gov for assistance.

• Submit online via NBS. NBS is TDH's reportable disease system. To request an NBS account for reporting Complete this user survey to request an NBS account for reporting. 

• Blood lead levels can be sent via fax ( (615) 741-3857), entered online, or reported using the instructions at this link. 

Information About this Reportable Healthcare-Associated Infection (HAI)

What It Is

A catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) occurs when germs (usually bacteria) enter the urinary tract through a urinary catheter — a tube used to drain urine from the bladder. It’s one of the most common healthcare-associated infections, but it’s largely preventable.

Signs and Symptoms

  • Pain or burning while urinating
  • Fever
  • Lower stomach pain or pressure
  • Frequent urge to urinate

How It Spreads

CAUTI happens when germs (usually bacteria) enter the urinary tract through a urinary catheter and cause an infection. The most important risk factor is having a urinary catheter in place—especially for longer periods of time. CAUTIs most often develop in healthcare settings (such as hospitals and long-term care facilities).

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is made by a healthcare provider based on symptoms (such as fever, pain/burning, or lower abdominal discomfort) and urine testing ordered by the provider. Treatment typically involves antibiotics when an infection is confirmed or strongly suspected, along with clinical management of the catheter (for example, removing it as soon as it’s no longer needed). 

This Page Last Updated: March 25, 2026 at 8:53 PM