Definitions
- Asymptomatic bacteriuria – treat only if patient is pregnant (+/- renal transplant recipient with stent in situ). If in doubt, discuss.
- Cystitis – may have alternate aetiology. Remember that lower urinary tract symptoms in women with 10,000-100,000 cfu/ml probably represents infection and should be treated
- Pyelonephritis – should always be treated, and will frequently require parenteral therapy
- Recurrent UTI – ³ three symptomatic infections per annum (provided ³ 1 month interval; less suggests relapse). Review oral fluid intake, anatomical or bladder function problems, vaginal epithelium and consider long-term prophylaxis
- LUTS – many patients have symptoms of voiding dysfunction (urge incontinence, stress incontinence, incontinence, nocturia, prostatism). These may benefit from expert urological assessment
- Complicated vs. Uncomplicated – anatomical problems, stones, stents, transplants, pregnancy – should be treated more aggressively.
Further information
Patient information on UTI from EdRenINFO
Teaching/ background information on UTI suitable for medical staff and students from the EdREP resources section.
Acknowledgements: Liam Plant was the original main author for this page. It was revised by ANT in November 2006 and the last modified date is shown in the footer.