Risk factors and predisposing conditions for urinary tract infection

Abstract

Understanding individual and population-specific risk factors associated with recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) can help physicians tailor prophylactic strategies. Frequent intercourse, vulvovaginal atrophy, change of the local bacterial flora, history of UTIs during premenopause or in childhood, family history, and a nonsecretor blood type are substantiated risk factors for recurrent uncomplicated UTIs. This is a narrative review based on relevant literature according to the experience and expertise of the authors. Asymptomatic bacteriuria is generally benign; however, during pregnancy it is more common and is associated with an increased likelihood of symptomatic infection, which may harm the mother or fetus. Screening of pregnant women and appropriate treatment with antimicrobials must be balanced with the potential for adverse treatment-related outcomes; appropriate prophylaxis should be considered where possible. High-quality data are currently lacking on risks related to asymptomatic bacteriuria in pregnancy and further data in this hard-to-study population should be a primary concern for researchers. Incomplete voiding represents the primary risk factor for UTIs associated with conditions such as urinary incontinence and prolapse. Correcting the presence of residual urine remains the most effective prophylaxis in these populations. Bladder function alters throughout life; however, changes in function may be particularly profound in clinical populations at high risk of UTIs. Patients with neurogenic bladder will also likely have other evolving medical issues which increase the risk of UTIs, such as repeated catheterization and increasing residual urine volume. More aggressive antimicrobial prophylactic strategies may be appropriate in these patients. Again, the paucity of data on prophylaxis in these high-risk patients requires the attention of the research community.

Effect and Analysis of Bacterial Lysates for the Treatment of Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections in Adults

“…The prevalence of UTIs in Mexico is higher among ≥ 18 year-old women, making these illnesses a relevant problem, observed from clinical and epidemiological perspectives [7]. Conditions of different natures, such as urinary tract dysfunction and genetic mechanism involved in the innate immune response to infections, are involved in the development of recurrent UTIs [13]. Due to the increase in multidrug-resistant bacteria, the WHO released a list of important pathogens where E. coli has been included among those in critical priority [6].…”

Testing the regulatory framework in South Africa – a single-blind randomized pilot trial of commercial probiotic supplementation to standard therapy in women with bacterial vaginosis

“…It was concerning that more than half of the women (53.3%, 16/30) acquired an STI over the course of the study, supporting that BV is considered a risk factor for acquisition of STIs [7,8]. Although BV has also been described as risk factor for urinary tract infections [35], none were reported by the participants throughout the course of the study.…”

Dynamics of Antibiotic Resistance in Urological Patients

“…Инфекции мочевыделительной системы относятся к самым распространенным заболеваниям в амбулаторной и госпитальной практике [1,2]. Микробный пейзаж в каждом лечебно-профилактическом учреждении -результат сложных процессов межвидовых взаимоотношений микро-и макроорганизмов, протекающих с учетом влияния различных факторов внешней среды [3]. Бактерии постоянно подвергаются селективному давлению со стороны химических агентов, например антиби-отиков [4].…”