Microbiology Flashcards
Urine in the kidneys, ureters and bladder is normally sterile. True/False?
True
Which organisms usually colonise the lower end of the urethra?
Coliforms
Enterococci
(from large bowel)
Define “UTI”
Presence of microorganisms in the urinary tract that are causing clinical infection
Lower UTI denotes infection confined to where?
Bladder (cystitis)
Upper UTI denotes infection spreading to where?
Ureters +/- kidneys (pyelonephritis)
Bacteriuria (presence of bacteria in urine) always indicates a UTI. True/False?
False
Why is UTI more common in women?
Short, wide urethra
Urethra near anus
Pregnancy
What is the most common route of infection in UTI?
Ascending infection - bacteria from bowel/bladder rises upwards through ureters
List the main causal organisms of UTI
E. coli
Klebsiella
Enterococci
Proteus
Which bacteria is associated with the formation of calculi?
Proteus sp.
Produces urease which breaks down urea to form ammonia (increases pH), precipitating salt formation
Which enterococcus - faecalis or faecium - is quite resistant to antibiotics?
Enterococcus faecium
Which particular strain of Staphylococcus is associated with UTI?
Staph. saphrophyticus (coag. -ve)
Particularly in women of child-bearing age
Which organism is associated with causing UTI in catheterised patients?
Pseudomonas
Which antibiotic is Pseudomonas not resistant to?
Ciprofloxacin
List the main symptoms and signs of UTI
Dysuria
Frequency/nocturia
Haematuria
What clinical features suggest an upper UTI?
Fever
Loin pain
Rigors
When taking a urine sample to check for UTI, the first urine passed is assessed. True/False?
False
First urine is likely to be contaminated; collect mid-stream sample
List different ways of collecting urine specimens
Midstream bowl by patient Clean catch by nurse Bag urine (babies) Catheter specimen Suprapubic aspiration