Urinary tract infections Flashcards
Symptoms of lower urinary tract infections:
Dysuria
Frequency
Urgency
Symptoms of upper urinary tract infections:
Loin pain
Fever
Rigors
Occasional haematuria
Organisms causing UTIs are usually derived from the ……….?
Perineal flora
Name the 6 most common causes of UTIs
Escherichia coli Proteus mirabilis Klebsiella spp. Staphylococcus saprophyticus Staphylococcus epidermidis Enterococci
Explain the 2 most common reasons why UTIs occur:
1) introduction of bacteria to the urinary tract
2) Obstruction of the renal tract leading to stasis and loss of “flushing out” mechanism leading to replication of organisms
Name 5 common causes of UTIs
Sexual intercourse Catheterisation Enlarged prostate Renal tract tumours Renal stones
Why is correct collection of a mid-stream urine sample important?
To avoid contamination from the perineum or vagina
What is the definition for a significant pyuria seen on direct microscopy?
> 10 pus cells per high power field
What can be seen on direct microscopy of infected urine?
Neutrophils/pus cells
A colon count of >10^5 pure growth of bacteria/ml is interpreted as?
Significant bacteriuria
A colon count of <10^4 pure growth of bacteria/ml is interpreted as?
Contaminants
A colon count showing a mixed growth is interpreted as?
Contaminants
A colon count between 10^4 and 10^5 pure growth of bacteria/ml is interpreted as?
Doubtful bacteriuria
After a pure growth of a bacteria has been grown what is a sensible next step?
Sensitivity testing - with different types of antibiotic
Name 4 antibiotics which are appropriate to test in UTIs:
1) Trimethoprim
2) Ampicillin
3) Cephalosporins
4) Ciprofloxacin
