UTIs Flashcards
Define an urinary tract infection (UTI).
The inflammatory response of the urothelium to bacterial invasion, usually associated with bacteriuria (bacteria in urine) and pyuria (pus in urine).
What is numerically defined as an UTI?
Defined as >105 organisms/ml or fresh mid-stream urine
What are the 5 main pathogens account for nearly ALL ISOLATE from primary care?
KEEPS:
* K = Klebsiella spp.
* E = E.coli - MOST COMMON
* E = Enterococci
* P = Proteus spp.
* S = Staphylococcus spp. - coagulase negative
Name 3 UTI causative organisms.
- Uropathogenic strains of E.coli (UPEC) - 82%.
- CNS e.g. s.saprophyticus.
- Proteus mirabilis.
- Enterococci.
- Klebsiella pneumonia.
Give 5 risk factors for UTIs.
- Sexually active
- Catheterised
- Enlarged prostate
- Renal tract tumour
- Renal stones
- Urinary retention
- Woman
- Incontinence
- Poor hygiene
- Dehydration
What are the 3 different classifications of UTIs?
- Location:
* Lower urinary tract vs. Upper urinary tract - Clinical risk:
* Uncomplicated vs. Complicated - Timing:
* Single/isolated vs. Unresolved (persistent infection or re-infection)
* Acute vs. Chronic
Uncomplicated vs complicated UTI?
Uncomplicated - healthy non pregnant women
Everyone else - complicated
How to treat uncomplicated UTIs in young women?
3 days abx
E.G. nitrofurantoin or trimethoprim
What is the first line treatment for an uncomplicated UTI?
- Trimethoprim or nitrofurantoin for 3 days.
- Increased fluid intake and regular voiding.
How does trimethoprim work?
It affects folic acid metabolism.
How to manage ‘complicated’ UTI?
MSU for culture
7 days abx
Describe the management for a complicated UTI.
Same as for an uncomplicated UTI but a MCS MSU is essential! The patient would normally take a longer Abx course tailored to sensitivity.
3 things about UTI in pregnancy?
- Urinalysis is an unreliable test, always send for culture
- Asymptomatic bacteriuria is common
- Always treat, they are at much higher risk of pyelonephritis
What determines if a UTI is complicated or uncomplicated?
A UTI is deemed complicated if it affects:
- Someone with an abnormal urinary tract.
- A man.
- A pregnant lady.
- Children.
- The immunocompromised.
- If it is recurrent.
Give 3 bacterial virulence factors that aid their ability to cause UTI’s.
- Fimbriae/pili that adhere to urothelium.
- Acid polysaccharid coat resists phagocytosis.
- Toxins e.g. UPEC releases cytotoxins.
- Enzyme production e.g. urease.
Under what circumstances would you see higher rates of adhesion?
Why?
Oestrogen depletion due to the loss of lactobacilli and pH change:
- Seen post-menopause where the pH rises and thus there is increased colonisation by colonic flora and a reduction in vaginal mucus secretion
- Results in increased susceptibility to UTI
Give 5 host defence mechanisms against urinary tract infection.
- Antegrade flushing of urine (forward flow of urine).
- Tamm-horsfall protein -> has antimicrobial properties.
- GAG layer.
- Low urine pH.
- Commensal flora.
- Urinary IgA.
Give 3 methods of avoiding host defences.
- Capsule
- Enzyme production
- Toxins
Give an example of enzyme production as a method of avoiding host defences.
E.coli release cytokine that are directly toxic
Give an example of toxin production as a method of avoiding host defences.
Proteus spp. secrete urease:
* Increases risk of stone formation
Give an example of a gram negative bacteria that releases urease.
Gram-negative: Proteus, Klebsiella & Pseudomonas
Give an example of a gram positive bacteria that releases urease.
Gram-positive: Staphylococci & Mycoplasma
Give 2 reasons why a post menopausal woman is more susceptible to a UTI.
- pH rises -> increased colonisation by colonic flora.
- Reduced mucus secretion.
The vagina is heavily colonised with lactobacilli. What is the function of this?
Helps maintain a low pH = host defence mechanism.
Describe the pathophysiology of UTI’s.
Organisms colonise the urethral meatus and ascend via the transurethral route.
Briefly describe the epidemiology of UTIs.
More common in women
- Affects 1/3rd in lifetime
Why are women more susceptible to UTIs?
More common in women due to short urethra and its proximity to the anus.
What can facilitate bacteria ascent into the urinary tract via the urethra?
- Sexual intercourse.
- Catheterisation.
When would/wouldn’t you treat or test for a UTI?
3 UTI symptoms – empirical abx
2 UTI symptoms + nitrates – empirical abx
2 UTI symptoms + leucocytes – send MSU
Symptoms but no leuco/nitr in dipstick or it looks clear - unlikely to be a UTI
Name 4 lower urinary tract infections.
- Cystitis.
- Prostatitis.
- Epididymitis / Epididymo-orchitis.
- Urethritis.
Name 1 upper urinary tract infection.
Pyelonephritis.
Give 5 clinical presentations of UTIs.
Frequency
Dysuria
Urgency
Incontinence
Confusion
Suprapubic pain
Give 4 risk factors for UTIs.
- Female
- Sex
- Pregnancy
- Menopause
- Decrease in host defence
- Urinary tract obstruction resulting in urine stasis
- Catheter
Define pyelonephritis.
Inflammation secondary to infection of the renal parenchyma and soft tissues of the renal pelvis and upper ureter.
What can cause pyelonephritis?
UPEC. Typically P pili.
Infection is usually from the bladder.
What is the likely cause of pyelonephritis in children?
Reflux or structural/functional abnormalities.