Urinary Tract Infections

Question 1

What causes a UTI?

Answer 1

When bacteria colonise the urethra and invade the urinary epithelium cells, causing irritation and inflammation.

Question 2

What are the stages of a UTI?

Answer 2

Lower UTI - inflammation of bladder (cystitis) and urethra (urethritis).
Upper UTI - Infection of the proximal part of the ureters (pyelitis) or the proximal part of the ureters and the kidneys (pyelonephritis).
Can lead to renal scarring, abscesses, and failure, or urosepsis.

Question 3

What are the symptoms of a UTI?

Answer 3

Dysuria - burning, stinging, or itching of urethra during urination
Nocturia - frequent urge to urinate at night
Changes in urine appearance or odour.

Question 4

How is UTI diagnosed?

Answer 4

Using a dipstick to test for the presence of either nitrites, or leukocytes with RBCs.

Question 5

When is a dipstick test not reliable for the diagnosis of a UTI?

Answer 5

> 65
Pregnant
Recurrent UTI
Catheter

Question 6

If a dipstick is not appropriate for diagnosis of a UTI, what can be done instead?

Answer 6

Urine culture.