Urinary tract infections

UTIs are typically spread as an ascending infection, but they can also be spread hematogenously, or directly (tissue destruction or through a penetrating injury).

Females are at a greater risk for UTIs. Certain drugs such as SGLT2 inhibitors can increase the risk for UTIs.

Classification

Urinary tract infections are generally classified based on the presentation, location, risk factors, and source of infection.

Presentation

  • Asymptomatic (asymptomatic bacteruria)
  • Symptomatic

Location

  • Upper UTIs
    • Kidney (pyelonephritis)
  • Lower UTIs
    • Urinary bladder (cystitis)
    • Urethra
    • Prostate

Risk factors

  • Complicated UTI
    • Requiring catheterization
    • Secondary to structural abnormality, metabolic or neurological disorders
    • Immune-compromized
    • Pregnant
    • Diabetics
    • Renal transplants
    • Atypical microorganisms
  • Uncomplicated UTI

Source of infection

  • Community-acquried. Due to bad hygiene and intercorse.
    • Mostly E. coli, Staph. saprophiticus (in young women).
  • Hospital-acquired.

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