Urinary tract infection

Question 1

Which groups of organisms commonly cause uncomplicated urinary tract infections?

Answer 1

enterococci and coliforms

Question 2

Which groups of organisms commonly cause complicated urinary tract infections? (pylenephritis/urosepsis)

Answer 2

enterococci and coliforms, as well as pseudomonas species

Question 3

When is it indicated to send urine cultures in an uncomplicated UTI?

Answer 3

• Recurrent cases
• If the patient is a male (females more likely to get simple cases of UTI due to shorter urethra)
• Catheter patients ONLY if they have signs and symptoms of infection

Question 4

Which antibiotic are most coliforms sensitive to?

Answer 4

Gentamicin

Question 5

Treatment for uncomplicated UTI in female?

Answer 5

Nitrofurantoin or Trimethoprim for THREE DAYS

Question 6

Treatment for UTI in UNCATHETERISED male?

Answer 6

Nitrofurantoin or Trimethoprim for SEVEN DAYS

Question 7

Treatment for complicated UTI?

Answer 7

IV Amoxicillin + Gentamicin, then step down to co-trimoxazole (total treatment time 7 days)

Question 8

Treatment for complicated UTI and penicllin allergy?

Answer 8

IV co-trimoxazole + Gentamicin, then step down to co-trimoxazole (total treatment time 7 days)

Question 9

What are the risks of UTI in pregnant women?

Answer 9

Preterm birth

Higher chance of getting pylonephritis

Question 10

Why should all pregnant women be screened for bacteruria?

Answer 10

Growing uterus sits above the ureter. This increases the chance of ureter blockage and infection.