UTIs

Question 1

What is a urinary tract infection (UTI)?

Answer 1

A UTI is an inflammatory reaction of the urinary tract epithelium caused by pathogenic microorganisms, most commonly bacteria.

Question 2

What is the global incidence of UTIs annually?

Answer 2

UTIs affect approximately 150 million people each year worldwide.

Question 3

Which demographic has the peak incidence of UTIs?

Answer 3

Young, sexually active women aged 18 to 24 have the peak incidence of UTIs.

Question 4

What is cystitis?

Answer 4

Cystitis is an infection of the bladder, often referred to as a lower UTI.

Question 5

What is pyelonephritis?

Answer 5

Pyelonephritis is a kidney infection, classified as an upper or complicated UTI.

Question 6

Define recurrent bacterial cystitis.

Answer 6

Recurrent bacterial cystitis is defined as two or more UTIs in six months or three or more in twelve months.

Question 7

What are common pathogens causing UTIs?

Answer 7

Uropathogenic Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Enterococcus faecalis are common causative organisms.

Question 8

List risk factors for UTIs in females.

Answer 8

Sexual activity, pregnancy, incontinence, post-menopause, cystocele, and a positive family history.

Question 9

List risk factors for UTIs in males.

Answer 9

Benign prostatic hypertrophy and urethral strictures.

Question 10

What are common risk factors for UTIs in both sexes?

Answer 10

Previous UTI, presence of a foreign body (e.g., catheter, stone), and diabetes mellitus.

Question 11

What are typical symptoms of a lower UTI?

Answer 11

Dysuria, urgency, frequency, hesitancy, suprapubic pain, new-onset nocturia, urinary incontinence, and haematuria.

Question 12

What additional symptoms may indicate an upper UTI?

Answer 12

Flank pain, fever, chills, nausea, and vomiting.

Question 13

What are common symptoms of recurrent UTIs?

Answer 13

Recurrent dysuria, urgency, frequency, suprapubic pain, cloudy urine, and pelvic pain.

Question 14

What symptoms might neonates or infants with a UTI exhibit?

Answer 14

Irritability, poor feeding, and fever (often >39°C).

Question 15

What bedside investigation is commonly used in suspected UTI?

Answer 15

Urine dipstick analysis to detect nitrites, leukocyte esterase, and blood.

Question 16

What is the significance of nitrites on a urine dipstick?

Answer 16

The presence of nitrites suggests a bacterial infection, as certain bacteria convert nitrates to nitrites.

Question 17

What laboratory test is definitive for diagnosing a UTI?

Answer 17

Urine culture to identify the specific pathogen and determine antibiotic sensitivities.

Question 18

What imaging modality may be used in recurrent or complicated UTIs?

Answer 18

Ultrasound of the urinary tract to assess for structural abnormalities or obstruction.

Question 19

What is the first-line antibiotic treatment for uncomplicated UTIs?

Answer 19

Nitrofurantoin or trimethoprim, depending on local antibiotic resistance patterns.

Question 20

What is a potential complication of untreated upper UTIs?

Answer 20

Development of renal abscesses or sepsis.

Question 21

What lifestyle modification can help prevent recurrent UTIs?

Answer 21

Increased fluid intake to promote regular urination and flushing of the urinary tract.

Question 22

Why is it important to complete the full course of antibiotics in UTI treatment?

Answer 22

To ensure eradication of the infection and reduce the risk of developing antibiotic resistance.

Question 23

What is asymptomatic bacteriuria, and how is it managed in pregnant women?

Answer 23

Asymptomatic bacteriuria is the presence of bacteria in the urine without symptoms; in pregnant women, it is typically treated to prevent complications.

Question 24

What is the role of cranberry products in UTI prevention?

Answer 24

Some studies suggest cranberry products may reduce the risk of recurrent UTIs, though evidence is mixed.