UTIs Flashcards
What is a urinary tract infection (UTI)?
A UTI is an inflammatory reaction of the urinary tract epithelium caused by pathogenic microorganisms, most commonly bacteria.
What is the global incidence of UTIs annually?
UTIs affect approximately 150 million people each year worldwide.
Which demographic has the peak incidence of UTIs?
Young, sexually active women aged 18 to 24 have the peak incidence of UTIs.
What is cystitis?
Cystitis is an infection of the bladder, often referred to as a lower UTI.
What is pyelonephritis?
Pyelonephritis is a kidney infection, classified as an upper or complicated UTI.
Define recurrent bacterial cystitis.
Recurrent bacterial cystitis is defined as two or more UTIs in six months or three or more in twelve months.
What are common pathogens causing UTIs?
Uropathogenic Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Enterococcus faecalis are common causative organisms.
List risk factors for UTIs in females.
Sexual activity, pregnancy, incontinence, post-menopause, cystocele, and a positive family history.
List risk factors for UTIs in males.
Benign prostatic hypertrophy and urethral strictures.
What are common risk factors for UTIs in both sexes?
Previous UTI, presence of a foreign body (e.g., catheter, stone), and diabetes mellitus.
What are typical symptoms of a lower UTI?
Dysuria, urgency, frequency, hesitancy, suprapubic pain, new-onset nocturia, urinary incontinence, and haematuria.
What additional symptoms may indicate an upper UTI?
Flank pain, fever, chills, nausea, and vomiting.
What are common symptoms of recurrent UTIs?
Recurrent dysuria, urgency, frequency, suprapubic pain, cloudy urine, and pelvic pain.
What symptoms might neonates or infants with a UTI exhibit?
Irritability, poor feeding, and fever (often >39°C).
What bedside investigation is commonly used in suspected UTI?
Urine dipstick analysis to detect nitrites, leukocyte esterase, and blood.
What is the significance of nitrites on a urine dipstick?
The presence of nitrites suggests a bacterial infection, as certain bacteria convert nitrates to nitrites.
What laboratory test is definitive for diagnosing a UTI?
Urine culture to identify the specific pathogen and determine antibiotic sensitivities.
What imaging modality may be used in recurrent or complicated UTIs?
Ultrasound of the urinary tract to assess for structural abnormalities or obstruction.
What is the first-line antibiotic treatment for uncomplicated UTIs?
Nitrofurantoin or trimethoprim, depending on local antibiotic resistance patterns.
What is a potential complication of untreated upper UTIs?
Development of renal abscesses or sepsis.
What lifestyle modification can help prevent recurrent UTIs?
Increased fluid intake to promote regular urination and flushing of the urinary tract.
Why is it important to complete the full course of antibiotics in UTI treatment?
To ensure eradication of the infection and reduce the risk of developing antibiotic resistance.
What is asymptomatic bacteriuria, and how is it managed in pregnant women?
Asymptomatic bacteriuria is the presence of bacteria in the urine without symptoms; in pregnant women, it is typically treated to prevent complications.
What is the role of cranberry products in UTI prevention?
Some studies suggest cranberry products may reduce the risk of recurrent UTIs, though evidence is mixed.
