Catheter induced infection and sepsis in hospitalized patients: An observational study on risk, incidence and clinical outcomes.

Catheter-associated infections are a significant contributor to hospital-acquired infections (HAIs), particularly in critically ill and long-term hospitalized patients. Indwelling catheters—whether urinary, peripheral venous, or central venous—are essential for patient management but can also serve as conduits for microbial colonization, biofilm formation, and subsequent systemic infection. If not identified early, localized infections can progress to sepsis and septic shock, both of which are associated with increased morbidity, prolonged hospitalization, and higher mortality.