Catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) is one of the common severe infections in intensive care unit (ICU), which tends to increase the mortality of patients, the length of hospital stay and the cost of hospitalization. Arterial catheter-related bloodstream infection (AC-BSI) is often overlooked or underestimated. Some studies pointed out that the incidence of AC-BSI is close to or even higher than central venous catheter related bloodstream infection (CVC-BSI), which plays an important role in catheter-related infections. Once AC-BSI is suspected, arterial catheter should be removed immediately after bacterial culture and antibiotics should be prescribed according to severities of patients. Prevention is the key to reduce AC-BSI. The research progress of epidemiology, etiology, pathogenesis, risk factors, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of AC-BSI was reviewed to facilitate the clinical decision.

Arterial catheter; Bloodstream infection; Catheter related bloodstream infection