Urinary Tract Infections

Question 1

What structures are effected in a UTI?

Answer 1

urethra and bladder

Question 2

Are UTIs more common in men or women?

Answer 2

women

Question 3

What is the pattern of infection in a UTI?

Answer 3

ascending

Question 4

What are the normal defenses that protect against UTI?

Answer 4

• local immune response (macrophages and mast cells)
• mucin layer (with glycoproteins) prevent direct contact between urine and epithelial cells in the urinary tract
• washout (urine stream flushes out bacteria)
• prostatic fluid has antibacterial qualities
• periurethral flora in women (microbial antagonism - normal flora occupy niche and prevent foreign flora from settling in)

Question 5

What are risks for UTIs?

Answer 5

• catheterization

- obstruction (no more washout)

Question 6

What are manifestations of UTI?

Answer 6

• acute onset
• increased frequency
• dysuria
• lower abdominal and/or back pain

Question 7

How is a UTI treated?

Answer 7

• antibiotics

- treat the underlying cause