Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can affect the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. Most cases of infection occur in the urethra and bladder, which make up the lower urinary tract. UTIs are one of the most common microbial infections in the world, affecting up to 150 million people per year.
Aetiology
UTIs are more common in females, with up to 40 percent of women experiencing UTI within their lifetime. Women are more susceptible to UTIs as the urethra (tube that connects the bladder to the urethral opening) is shorter women as compared to men. This makes it easier for microorganisms to reach the bladder (organ that stores urine), making women prone to developing bladder infections, also known as cystitis.
Signs and symptoms of UTI
- Painful or difficult urination (dysuria)
- Persistent urge to urinate
- Cloudy urine
- Lower abdominal comfort
- Constantly feeling like your bladder is full
- Bloody urine (haematuria)
- Fever and chills – frequently associated with upper UTI that is more serious
- Flank pain or upper back pain on one side – suggesting upper UTI, notably kidney infection
Types of UTIs
Urethra (urethritis) is suspected when there is a burning sensation when passing urine, usually accompanied with cloudy discharge.
A classic sign of bladder infections (cystitis) is when there is blood in urine, frequent painful urination and lower abdomen discomfort.
Kidney infection (acute pyelonephritis) is often presented with high fever accompanied with chills, vomiting and back or flank pain.
What causes infection?
UTIs happen when pathogens enter the bladder and urethra, causing inflammation and infection:
- Escherichia coli (E. coli) that is commonly found in the gastrointestinal tract and can spread from the anus to the urethra
- Sexually transmitted infections such as herpes, gonorrhoea, chlamydia and mycoplasma bacterium
- Fungal urinary tract infections, usually caused by Candida species
Risk Factors
Risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing urinary tract infections include:
- Poor personal hygiene
- Blocked flow of urine
- Kidney stones that block the flow of urine to be passed out
- Diabetes
- Urinary catheters
- Sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis
- Having multiple new sexual partners
- Birth control such as diaphragms and spermicidal agents
- Suppressed immune system
- Enlarged prostate (benign prostate hyperplasia) that traps urine in the bladder
Diagnosis
Diagnosis involves these classic tests:
Urine culture
Urine culture is a test that detects pathogens such as bacteria in urine. A sample of urine is added to a media that promotes the growth of germs. The results take one to three days and if bacteria or yeast is present, the culture is deemed positive. This test remains the criterion standard for diagnosis.
Urine dipstick
This test consists of a strip layered with chemicals that changes colour according to the presence of proteins, glucose, ketones, haemoglobins and nitrites that can indicate UTIs, diabetes or kidney disease.
Urinalysis
This tests for the presence of bacteria, blood and white blood cells. UTI is diagnosed if nitrites or leukocytes (type of white blood cell) are present.
Leukocyte esterase dipstick to test for pyuria
Pyuria is a condition where there are at least 10 white blood cells in each cubic millimetre of urine that indicates infection. Not every cause of infection is bacterial, which classifies the infection as sterile pyuria where infection can be attributed to viral infections or the presence of other pathogens such as fungi present.
Pyuria is most common in older adults. Sterile pyuria is also common in older women due to a drop in oestrogen levels, causing changes in the urinary tract, making one more vulnerable to infection.
Treatment
Most patients that present with UTI are treated as outpatients. The principal treatment for UTIs caused by bacterial infections are oral antibiotics effective against gram-negative aerobic coliform bacteria for 7 days. If symptoms persist, doctors will run another round of tests to check for other causes of infection. Anti-fungal medications are prescribed for UTIs that are caused by fungal infections.
Hospital admission may be required for complicated cases caused by kidney stones, calculi, urinary tract obstructions, indwelling catheter complications and underlying active cancer.
If left untreated, infection can spread throughout the body and can lead to permanent kidney damage, blood poisoning and organ failure.
UTI in pregnancy
UTIs are common in pregnancy due to an increase in vaginal discharge. Hormonal changes and pressure from the uterus on the bladder makes emptying the bladder difficult. Moreover, increased amounts of sugar and protein in the urine can also make pregnant women more prone to infections. Vesicoureteral reflux, a condition where urine flows backwards to the kidneys can also occur due to hormonal changes.
All pregnant women are tested for UTI in early pregnancy to prevent problems that can later develop. Severe UTIs left untreated can result in premature birth or low birth weight in babies.
Prevention
- Drink at least eight glasses of water
- Avoid holding urine for extended periods of time
- Wiping from front to back
- Shower and urinate before and after sex to prevent infections
Conclusion
Early detection of UTIs allow for prompt treatment. It is best to approach your doctor as soon as possible if you experience any symptoms.
