Urinary tract infection

Question 1

Definition

Answer 1

Infection of the bladder, ureter, or kidneys

Question 2

Aetiology

Answer 2

Usually caused by the ascending spread of gut bacteria into the urethra

Women are more susceptible as they have a shorter urethra, so its closer to the anus.

Main pathogens:
– Escherichia coli is the main organism (70%)
– staphylococcus saprophyte (10%)
– proteus mirabilis (12%)

Question 3

Epidemiology

Answer 3

Extremely common, especially in women

60% of women will have a UTI at some point in their life

Question 4

Risk factors

Answer 4

Female gender

Sexual intercourse

Urinary tract stones

Pregnancy

Diabetes

Dementia

Question 5

Clinical presentation

Answer 5

Typical symptoms:
– frequency of urinating by day and night
– dysuria (painful urination)
– suprapubic pain and tenderness
– haematuria
– smelly urine

Types of UTI’s:
- KIDNEY:
– more severe illness
– fever
– rigours
– vomiting
– loin pain

• BLADDER:
  – frequency
  – urgency
  – dysuria
  – haematuria
  – suprapubic pain
• URETHRA:
  – burning with urination
  – discharge