UTI Flashcards
What is a UTI?
Bacteria in the urinary tract that causes clinical infection.
What is cystitis?
LUTI/infection of bladder
What is another term for a LUTI?
Cystitis
What is pyelonephritis?
UUTI/Kidney infection
What is another term for a UUTI?
Pyelonephritis
Which parts of the urinary tract are normally sterile?
Kidneys, ureters and bladder
What kind of bacteria normally colonize the lower urethra?
Coliforms and enterococci
What makes a UTI complicated?
Systemic upset or urinary tract structural abnormalities.
What is bacteriuria?
Bacteria in the urine
Does bacteriuria always mean a UTI?
No, elderly or catheterised patients may have it too.
Is cystitis just caused by infection?
No, just means inflammation of bladder so can be many causes.
What three factors regulate the presence of infection?
Host- Immunological status, behaviour etc
Organism- Type of organism, virulence etc
Environment- Medical devices, anatomy/urinary retention
What are some risk factors for contracting a UTI?
Women
Catheter
Structural abnormalities
What are the two routes bacteria can take to infect the urinary tract?
Ascending
Blood
How common is blood stream infection of the kidneys?
Quite uncommon
What is an important factor of bloodstream infections of the kidney?
Multiple small abscesses
Name five important bacteria that can cause UTI
E. Coli Klebsiella Enterobacter Proteus Pseudomonas
What is the most common form of bacteria to infect the urinary tract?
Lactose fermenting coliforms such as E. Coli, Klebsiella and Enterobacter
What makes E. Coli exceptionally good at causing UTI?
Long flagellum that allow it to adhese and climb up.
What part of E. Coli is responsible for a lot of its effects such as fever?
Endotoxin
Where is endotoxin found in E. Coli?
LPS layer
What does proteus do in urine?
Breaks down urea to ammonia to increase pH and precipitate out struvite stones.
What does proteus infection smell like?
Burnt chocolate
What is pseudomonas infection associated with?
Catheters and medical devices
What is the best antibiotic for a pseudomonas infection?
Ciprofloxacin
How should ciprofloxacin be administered?
Oral or IV
Which groups should not receive ciprofloxacin?
Children and pregnant women
What are the three major gram negative causes of UTI?
E. Coli
Proteus
Pseudomonas
What are the two main gram positive causes of UTI?
Enterococci
Staph
Which enterococci is important to know?
Enterococci faecalis
Where is enterococci usually acquired?
Hospital
Which two forms of staph commonly cause UTI?
S. Aureus
S. Saprophyticus