UTI 1 Flashcards
1. Recognize the symptoms and signs of a urinary tract infection (UTI) and interpret confirmatory diagnostic tests. (CMKS-1d, MKS-3c)
1
Q
What is the epidemiology of UTIs?
A
- Urinary tract infections are common events, particularly in young boys, prepubertal children and women.
- These infections require more than 7 million office visits per year in the U.S. and expenses exceed $1billion annually.
2
Q
Describe the pathogenesis of UTIs.
A
- The bacteria present virulence factors which allow them to ascend from the gut to the urethra and into the bladder.
- One of the key virulence factors is the ability of the bacteria to bind to the cell surface using type 1 pili.
- If bacteria also possess p-pili, they can adhere to the upper tract and cause a kidney infection.
- Bacterial colonization of the vaginal mucosa of women with susceptibility to urinary tract infections is much greater than healthy controls, precedes urinary tract infections, and is a critical link in this pathway.
- Women with increased susceptibility to UTIs have a systemic genetically controlled alteration in their cell’s ability to bind pathogenic bacteria.
- Once the adhesive process begins, the host tries to defend itself and the bacteria try to impede the defense by altering the inflammatory, apoptotic, and invasive pathways.
- A number of factors contribute to increased susceptibility of urinary tract infection. Host factors include those that promote colonization, facilitate ascent and reduce urine flow.
3
Q
What are the symptoms of a UTI?
A
- Symptoms for cystitis include dysuria, urgency and frequency
- Pyelonephritis has the same symptoms as cystitis plus fever, chills and flank pain