Question

Describe how to diagnose a lower urinary tract infection (UTI) and differentiate between common bacterial causes.

Answer 1

*Inflammation of urinary tract is called Urinary Tract Infections.

* When Inflammation occurs in the lower part of urinary tract, it is called Lower urinary tract infections.

* Lower urinary tract infections include,

•• cystitis - Inflammation of the urinary bladder.

•• prostatitis - inflammation of the prostate gland in male.

•• urethritis - inflammation of the urethra.

DIAGNOSIS OF LOWER URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS :

1) Patient history and signs and symptoms -

pain and burning on urination, frequency and urgency, nocturia( increased urination during night) incontinence, suprapubic or pelvic pain.

2) Colony counts- to find out the amount of bacteria in the urine.

- a colony count of atleast 10^5 colony forming units (CFU) per milliliter of urine ( midstream ) is a criteria for infection.

3) Cellular studies - Microscopic hematuria(greater than 4 red blood cells ).

- pyuria - presence of greater than 4 white blood cells.

4) urine culture- to identify the specific organism.

COMMON BACTERIAL CAUSES,  

1 ) E. Coli( Escherichia Coli) - 80 to 85% of lower urinary tract infections are caused by E. Coli.

2) Staphylococcus saprophyticus - 5to 10% ( can be through procedures like urinary catheterization )

3) Klebsiella - may be direct entry or catheterization.

4) Pseudomanas