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Introduction to urinary tract infection

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Dividing E. coli. Image courtesy of Janice Carr and Evangeline Sower. (Image
enhanced by Eric Grafman, Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, USA.)

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is the most common bacterial infection across all age groups, and affects around 20% of women at some time during their lifetime. UTI is the second most common clinical indication for antibiotic treatment in both primary and secondary care. It is also the most common hospital-acquired infection in the UK, accounting for 23% of all infections.

In women, UTI is defined as the presence of pathogenic organisms in the urine, urethra (urethritis), bladder (cystitis) or kidney (pyelonephritis), accompanied by symptoms. It is usually caused by bacteria from the bowel.

Learning objectives

When you have completed this tutorial you will be able to:

  • appreciate the pathogenesis of UTI
  • identify those at risk of developing UTI and those at risk of recurrence
  • collect appropriate specimens, use the laboratory appropriately and order additional investigations when necessary
  • make accurate diagnoses and appreciate the definition of different terms
  • successfully manage uncomplicated and complicated UTI and its recurrence
  • make recommendations for follow-up care

Last updated: 05/10/11 (tutorial revised and updated by Mr Aethele Khunda and Dr Mihraban Bapir)

19/12/08 (BJOG paper added in the 'Preliminary reading' section)

17/10/08 (animation added in new section 'Microbiological process of infection' under the 'Pathogenesis' section).

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