Catheter-related bloodstream infections continue to show high incidence density rates in developing countries. The main objective of the study was to describe the definition, management and risk factors associated with central venous catheter infection. A systematic review of the literature on the definition, management and risk factors associated with central venous catheter infection was carried out using search tools such as PubMed, SciELO, Science Direct, Lilax, Web of Science and Medigraphic. The risk factors for CVC infection with the highest percentage of records correspond to prolonged catheter residence time (26.32%); insertion of the catheter in the femoral vein (21.05%); and number of catheters used, repeated catheterization in the same vein, catheter manipulation and use of multilumen catheter for PN (15.79%). Grampositive microorganisms (Staphylococcus aureus) and Candida albicans were the most reported in the articles studied. In conclusion, there is a need to conduct more longitudinal studies and to improve risk factor prevention strategies in order to reduce catheter-related infections.

Keywords : Central Venous Catheter, Risk Factors, Microorganisms, Management.