Urinary tract infection (UTI) is any infection in the urinary bladder and other associated parts of the urinary system. In most cases, UTI causes stem from infection by a gram-negative bacterium. The condition is usually associated with urinary discomfort, lower abdominal pain, and bloody and cloudy urine. Mild cases of UTI resolve independently, but in most cases, UTI requires proper medical attention.
What are the Causes of Urinary Tract Infection?
The bacterium that causes UTI usually enters the urinary tract through the perineum and rectum into the urethra and the bladder. Women have a shorter urethra than men, making them more susceptible to UTI and increasing the chances of their developing various inimical urinary tract causes. Different bacterial species are the reasons for UTI. Further, UTI can cause the following:
- Infection in the bladder: Gram-negative bacteria such as E. Coli, Klebsiella, Proteus, etc., are well-recognised bacteria that cause UTIs. The most common infection is E. Coli, followed by Klebsiella. Other bacteria types that cause UTI are Proteus, Enterobacter, Enterococcus, etc. Infection can occur in any part of the urinary system, but the most common infection is of the bladder.
- Urinary catheter use: The use of a urinary catheter can allow the bacteria to travel through the catheter into the bladder to cause catheter-associated UTI (CA-UTI).
- Infection in the urethra: The bacteria found in the anus can travel upwards to the urethra and cause UTI.
- Issues post-kidney transplantation: UTI is the most common infection post-kidney transplantation. UTI is linked with the development of bacteremia, acute T cell-mediated rejection, and weakened allograft function/allograft loss, with a heightened risk of hospitalisation and death.
Conclusion
Many UTI cases present themselves with asymptomatic bacteriuria that requires no treatment. But in the case of pregnant women, immunocompromised patients, and kidney patients, even a mild infection requires prompt medical intervention. Uncomplicated UTIs can be easily managed with antibiotics, but proper medical supervision is required for complicated UTIs. Going for a good health insurance policy makes it easy to cover the financial burden borne during treatment.
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