Urinary tract infections (UTIs) occur when microbes enter the urinary tract and cause an infection.
The urinary tract is divided into the upper and lower tracts, with UTIs classified as uncomplicated or complicated based on the presence of functional or anatomical abnormalities.
Bacteria, particularly uropathogenic Escherichia coli, are the most common cause of UTIs, with risk factors including sexual activity, catheterization, and being female. Diagnosis based on symptoms alone can have an error rate of over 30%.
Treatment requires proper antibiotic selection, appropriate dosage adjustment, and correct duration of therapy, with targeted narrow-spectrum antibiotics preferred over broad-spectrum.
Antibiotic resistance (ABR) adds complexity to UTI treatment, with unnecessary antibiotic use needing to be eliminated to prevent further resistant strains. UTIs are prevalent globally, with women being more susceptible than men and elderly patients more likely to develop severe sepsis and death.
Testing options include bacteria screening, urine culture, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The latter offers highly sensitive and specific detection and quantification of molecular biomarkers, allowing for quicker and more specific treatments. PCR can also be performed as part of large syndromic panels to identify multiple pathogens in a single reaction. Come to Pradus Diagnostics to complete your UTI PCR testing, with results coming back the next day.
Overall, the diagnosis and treatment of UTIs require careful consideration of various factors to ensure effective management and prevent further complications.
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