Urinary Tract Infection

This chapter deals with urinary tract infection. It provides the background information of the disease, and discusses its prevention, diagnosis, treatment, prognosis, and evidence. Urinary tract infection includes cystitis (infection of the lower urinary tract/bladder) and pyelonephritis (upper tract infection). The most common pathogen is Escherichia coli. The virulence of the bacteria depends on factors such as fimbria type and adhesion factors that aid in ascension up the urinary tract. Patients may report a feeling of urgency with small volumes voided. Hematuria is a less common symptom. Asymptomatic bacteriuria should be treated when patient is pregnant, in patients with renal transplant, before urologic surgery. Contrary to popular belief, most cases of uncomplicated UTI are self-limited, and progression to systemic infection is uncommon (American Urological Association).