Urinary Tract Symptoms and Infections Flashcards
Define Urinary Tract Infection
Infection that occurs in any part of the urinary system and is common caused by bacteria entering the urinary tract and multiplying in the urine, invading the mucosal lining
What are common symptoms of a UTI?
Dysuria, nocturia, increased frequency, cloudy urine
What does pyuria indicate?
Inflammation or infection in the urinary tracts
What family of bacteria are the most common cause of UTIs and give 2 examples?
Enterobacteriaceae: E. Coli and Klebsiella
Define cystitis
inflammation of the bladder often caused by bacterial infection
What are the symptoms of cystitis?
Increased urgency or frequency of urination, dysuria, cloudy or bloody in the urine
The presence of what 2 substances in the urine from a urine dipstick test indicate a UTI?
Nitrites and leukocytes
Does the absence of nitrites on a urine dipstick test rule out the possibility of a UTI?
No, nitrites are present in the urine in UTIs caused by Enterobacteriaceae but UTIs can be caused by other bacteria
Define dysuria
Painful urination
What is sterile pyuria and what does it indicate?
Sterile pyuria is the presence of WBCs in the urine in the absence of bacteria.
Common to see sterile pyuria up to 6 weeks after successful UTI treatment.
Can indicate inflammation or infection in the urinary tract even if urine cultures don’t reveal bacteria growth, may require further investigation
Which bacteria is most commonly responsible for UTIs in the community and hospitals?
E. coli
What is the main reason not to over-diagnose UTIs?
Increased antimicrobial resistance
Why is urine dipstick not useful for diagnosing UTIs in patients over the age of 65?
it is not reliable for the age group because of high rates of bacterial colonisation
What 3 symptoms are indicative of UTI in women younger than 65?
all of these symptoms must be new
- dysuria
- nocturia
- cloudy urine
What is the primary cause of most UTIs?
GI bacteria ascending the urethra
