1. Urinary Tract Infection Flashcards
What are the three main predisposing factors for UTI’s?
- Stasis of Urine
- Pushing Bacteria up the Urethra (from below)
- Generalized predisposition to infection
What can cause the Stasis of Urine?
- Obstruction
a) Congenital - Children
b) Acquired - Adults - Spinal Cord / Brain injury
What is the pathology of Obstruction causing the Stasis of Urine?
- The Obstruction leads to proximal dilation, leading to the backlog of pressure (this can cause further dilation)
- Slowed urine flow results in bacteria not being flushed out
- Slowed urine flow results in sediment forming, which can lead to calculous (stone) formation
What is the Pathology of Spinal Cord / Brain injury causing the Stasis of Urine?
Decreased sensation (the loss of the feeling of a full bladder), so there is no knowing of when to empty the bladder
What can cause the Pushing of Bacteria up the Urethra from below?
- Sexual activity in females
2. Catheterisation
What leaves females (after sexual activity) predisposed to UTI’s?
- A short Urethra
2. The lack of Prostatic Bacteriostatic Secretion
What can cause Generalized Predisposition to Infection?
- Immunosuppression
2. Diabetes Mellitus
Why does Diabetes Mellitus leave you predisposed to UTI’s?
Due to the presence of Glucose in the Urine, as a source of energy for the Bacteria
What are the most common causative agents in UTI’s?
Commensals:
- E. Coli
- Proteus
- Klebsiella
- Enterococcus
Where can UTI’s from the Urethra spread to?
- The Bladder
- The Ureters
- The Kidneys
What is the name of the inflammatory response in the Urethra?
Urethritis
What is the name of the inflammatory response in the Bladder?
Cystitis
What is the name of the inflammatory response in the Ureter?
Ureteritis
What is the name of the inflammatory response in the Kidneys?
Acute Pyelonephritis
Note - this can become chronic if there is prolonged / recurrent infection)
What is the name of the inflammatory response in the Epididymis/Testis?
Emididymo-Orchitis