Vinegar for decreasing catheter-associated bacteriuria in long-term catheterized patients: a randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of rice vinegar administered via nasogastric feeding tube on catheter-associated bacteriuria in patients with long-term urinary catheterization.

METHOD: The authors conducted a randomized controlled trial (n = 60) to compare treatment with dilute vinegar and usual care. The authors recruited patients with chronic catheters from a long-term care facility in northern Taiwan. The experimental group received 100 ml of diluted rice vinegar each day for 4 weeks, whereas the control group received 100 ml of water. The authors analyzed urine weekly and cultured it on Day 28.

RESULTS

The generalized estimating equation results showed significant between-group differences in urinary pH, bacterial titer, and turbidity. No patient in the experimental group, but three in the control group, exhibited symptomatic urinary tract infection (UTI). Rice vinegar may decrease bacteriuria. Medicinal use of vinegar may decrease the risk of symptomatic UTI, but further study is needed to determine the effects of ingesting vinegar for a longer period and with a larger sample size.