UTI's Flashcards
What is asymptomatic bacteriuria?
asymptomatic - no symptoms
bacteriuria - presence of bacteria in urine
Why is there bacteria in the urine even without UTI?
urine passes through non-sterile skin e.g. urethra
How much bacteria is normal to have in the urine?
- less than 10 (to power 5) bacteria/ml of urine
- based on mid stream sample only
What is the ideal urine sample?
Mid stream sample
i. e. don’t catch urine at start and end of urination
- not always possible
Is urine in the body sterile?
Yes - filtrate of the blood
and blood is sterile
What does sterile mean?
complete absence of micro-organisms including viruses and bacteria
Why does bacteria needed to be sent to the lab fast?
Bacteria which may be normal can replicate in sample
What are the classic triad of symptoms for UTI?
- frequent urination
- urgent urination
- dysuria (pain when urinating)
Who is more likely to have asymptomatic bacteriuria?
Older people - don't necessarily have infection - just have more bacteria in urine Pregnant women - can have asymptomatic infection
How is a UTI tested for?
need to find the organism
- sample from inflamed organs i.e. urine in UTI
- blood sample if sepsis suspected
- take sample before antibiotics (stop bacteria from being killed off before so can diagnose)
- can also use dipstick if simple UTI with definitive result don’t need lab
What does uncomplicated infection mean?
infection where:
- treatment is likely to be successful
- Symptoms are obvious e.g. classic triad
Which UTIs are uncomplicated?
Lower UTI
- Urethritis
- Cystitis
What bacteria are likely to cause the uncomplicated UTIs?
E.coli
What antibiotics are used in lower urinary tract infections?
Nitrofurantoin
Trimethoprim
Why do UTI treatments fail?
Impeded flow:
- old age (prostates can impede flow)
- pregnant (uterus can impede flow)
- kidney stones
- plastic in urinary tract
- resistance bacteria (often from previous antibiotic)