Rigi10™ Malleable Penile Prosthesis
Also Known As
Cystitis, Bladder infection, Lower urinary tract infection (LUTI), Urethritis, Acute urethral syndrome, Urosepsis (when infection enters bloodstream), Pyelonephritis (kidney infection), Bacteriuria (bacteria in urine)
Definition
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection that affects any part of the urinary system, including the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra.1 UTIs occur when bacteria, most commonly Escherichia coli (E. coli), enter the urinary tract through the urethra and begin to multiply in the bladder.2 The infection can remain limited to the bladder (cystitis) or may spread to the kidneys (pyelonephritis).3 UTIs are characterized by inflammation of the urinary epithelium, which leads to symptoms such as dysuria, urinary frequency, urgency, and occasionally hematuria.4 Women are at greater risk of developing UTIs than men due to their shorter urethra and its proximity to the anus, which facilitates bacterial entry.1 The diagnosis typically involves urinalysis and urine culture, with treatment generally consisting of appropriate antibiotic therapy based on the causative organism and the severity of the infection.5
Clinical Context
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common bacterial infections encountered in clinical practice.1 They primarily affect the lower urinary tract, including the bladder and associated structures, though they can ascend to involve the kidneys in more severe cases.2
Patient Selection and Presentation
UTIs predominantly affect women, with approximately 50-60% experiencing at least one UTI in their lifetime.1 Risk factors include female anatomy, sexual activity, certain types of birth control (especially diaphragms with spermicide), menopause, urinary tract abnormalities, blockages in the urinary tract, a suppressed immune system, catheter use, and recent urinary procedures.3 In men, UTIs are less common and often associated with prostatic hypertrophy, urinary tract instrumentation, or immunosuppression.4
Diagnostic Approach
Diagnosis relies on clinical history, urinalysis, and urine culture, with proper specimen collection being essential.2 The presence of dysuria, urinary frequency, urgency, and suprapubic discomfort are typical presenting symptoms.3 Laboratory evaluation typically includes dipstick testing for nitrites, leukocyte esterase, and blood, with microscopic examination for bacteria and white blood cells.2 A urine culture showing ≥1,000 colony-forming units per milliliter in a symptomatic patient is generally considered diagnostic.2
Treatment Protocols
Uncomplicated UTIs are typically treated with oral antibiotics, with selection based on local resistance patterns.5 First-line therapies often include nitrofurantoin, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, fosfomycin, or pivmecillinam.2 For complicated UTIs or pyelonephritis, broader-spectrum antibiotics and longer treatment durations may be necessary.5 Supportive measures include increased fluid intake and urinary analgesics to relieve symptoms.4
Expected Outcomes
With appropriate antibiotic therapy, symptoms typically improve within 24-48 hours.3 Uncomplicated UTIs generally resolve completely with a 3-7 day course of antibiotics.2 However, recurrent infections may occur in approximately 20-30% of women within 6 months of the initial infection.1 Preventive strategies include adequate hydration, proper hygiene practices, urinating after sexual activity, and in some cases, prophylactic antibiotics.3