Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Definition: urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection involving any part of the urinary system — kidneys, ureters, bladder, or urethra. The most common site is the bladder (cystitis) .
🔍 Types of UTI Type Location Common Features Cystitis Bladder Dysuria, frequency, urgency, suprapubic pain Urethritis Urethra Dysuria, discharge Pyelonephritis Kidneys Fever, flank pain, nausea, vomiting Asymptomatic bacteriuria Bacteria in urine without symptoms Usually no treatment needed except in pregnancy
⚠️ Common Pathogens Escherichia coli (~80% of cases)Klebsiella, Proteus, Enterococcus, Staphylococcus saprophyticus ⚠️ Risk Factors Female anatomy (short urethra) Sexual activity Urinary catheterization Obstruction (stones, BPH) Diabetes Pregnancy Immunosuppression 🩺 Symptoms Lower UTI (cystitis): Dysuria (painful urination) Urinary frequency and urgency Suprapubic discomfort Hematuria (sometimes) Upper UTI (pyelonephritis): Fever, chills Flank pain or tenderness Nausea/vomiting Malaise 🧪 Diagnosis Urinalysis: Leukocyte esterase (indicates WBCs) Nitrites (presence of Gram-negative bacteria) Pyuria (WBCs in urine) Hematuria (may be present) Urine Culture: Confirms infection and identifies causative organism Important in complicated or recurrent UTIs Imaging: Reserved for recurrent infections, suspected obstruction, or anatomical abnormalities (ultrasound, CT) 🩺 Treatment Scenario Treatment Uncomplicated cystitis (women) Short-course oral antibiotics (e.g., nitrofurantoin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, fosfomycin) Complicated UTI or pyelonephritis Longer course, possible IV antibiotics (e.g., fluoroquinolones, cephalosporins) Recurrent UTI prevention Behavioral changes, prophylactic antibiotics in some cases
⚠️ Complications Recurrent UTIs Pyelonephritis Renal abscess Sepsis Chronic kidney damage
