UTI – Urinary Tract Infection
An infection caused by microbial pathogens, primarily bacteria, in any part of the urinary system. The majority of UTIs are caused by Escherichia coli (E. coli), which typically inhabits the gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms can range from dysuria (painful urination), urgency, and frequency to more severe signs such as fever and flank pain if the kidneys are involved.
Key Features:
- Pathogens: Most commonly caused by bacteria such as Escherichia coli (E. coli), though other bacteria, viruses, and fungi can also be responsible.
- Types of UTIs:
- Cystitis: Infection of the bladder.
- Urethritis: Infection of the urethra.
- Pyelonephritis: Infection of the kidneys, which can lead to more severe symptoms and complications.
- Symptoms:
- Lower UTI (Cystitis and Urethritis): Dysuria (pain or burning sensation during urination), frequent urination, urgency, hematuria (blood in urine), and suprapubic pain.
- Upper UTI (Pyelonephritis): Fever, chills, flank pain, nausea, and vomiting, in addition to lower UTI symptoms.
- Diagnosis:
- Urinalysis and urine culture are commonly used to identify the presence of bacteria and white blood cells in the urine.
- Treatment:
- Typically involves antibiotics, with the choice of medication depending on the causative organism and severity of infection.
- Complications: If untreated, UTIs can lead to recurrent infections, kidney damage, and, in severe cases, sepsis.
Online References:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Provides information on the symptoms, causes, risk factors, and prevention of UTIs.
- Mayo Clinic: Offers a detailed overview of UTIs, including symptoms, causes, risk factors, complications, and treatments.
- Johns Hopkins Medicine: Provides a comprehensive description of UTIs, covering their symptoms, diagnostic methods, treatment options, and preventive measures.
- National Health Service (NHS): Describes the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of UTIs.