A REVIEW ON URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS (UTI)
B. Bhanu Priya*
ABSTRACT
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common bacterial infections, affect
men and women of all ages, and vary dramatically in their presentation
and sequelae. Although the urinary tract is normally free of bacterial
growth, bacteria that generally ascend from the rectal reservoir may
cause UTIs. When bacterial virulence increases or host defense
mechanisms decrease, bacterial inoculation, colonization, and infection
of the urinary tract occur. Careful diagnosis and treatment result in
successful resolution of infections in most instances. A better
understanding of the pathogenesis of UTI fund the role of host and
bacterial factors has improved the ability to identify patients at risk and
prevent the infection. Clinical manifestations can vary from asymptomatic bacterial
colonization of the bladder to irritative symptoms such as frequency and urgency associated
with bacterial infection upper tract infections associated with fever, chills, and flank pain and
bacteremia associated with severe morbidity, including sepsis and death. New antimicrobial
agents that achieve high urinary and tissue levels, can be administered orally, and are not
nephrotoxic have significantly reduced the need for hospitalization for severe infection.
Shorter-course therapy and prophylactic antimicrobial agents have reduced the morbidity and
host associated with recurrent cystitis in women. Although the vast majority of patients
respond promptly and are cured by therapy early identification and treatment of patients with
complicated infections that place them at significant risk remains a clinical challenge to
urologist.
Keywords: Urinary tract infection, flank pain, bacteremia, nephrotoxic, recurrent cystitis, hospitalization.
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