Infections of the Urinary Tract System

These flashcards cover critical terms and concepts related to infections of the urinary tract system.

Upper urinary tract infection

Infection affecting structures in the upper urinary tract, primarily the kidneys.

Lower urinary tract infection

Infection affecting structures in the lower urinary tract, including the bladder and urethra.

Cystitis

Infection of the bladder, characterized by symptoms like dysuria, frequency, and urgency.

Urethritis

Infection of the urethra, often sexually transmitted, causing painful urination and frequency.

Pyelonephritis

A serious upper urinary tract infection involving inflammation of the kidneys.

Asymptomatic bacteriuria

Isolation of bacteria in urine with no symptoms, common in older women.

Uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC)

Strains of E. coli associated with urinary tract infections, differing from normal strains.

CAUTI

Catheter-associated urinary tract infection; related to catheter use in hospitalized patients.

Host defenses against UTI

Include low urine pH, flushing of urine, antibacterial properties of bladder surface, and immune response.

Antimicrobial peptides (Defensins)

Small proteins produced by host cells that attach to and kill bacteria.

Gram negative bacteria

A group of bacteria, including E. coli, often responsible for UTIs.

Biofilm

A protective layer formed by bacteria that aids in their survival and persistence in infections.

Epidemiology of UTIs

Study of the occurrence, causes, and effects of urinary tract infections in the population.

Antibiotic resistance

Ability of bacteria, such as those causing UTIs, to withstand antibiotic treatments.

Urinalysis

Laboratory test analyzing a urine sample for indications of urinary tract infection.

Colony forming unit (CFU)

A unit used to estimate the number of viable bacteria or fungal cells in a sample.

Maconkey agar

A selective and differential culture medium for isolating gram-negative bacteria.

Urinary tract system anatomy

Includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra, divided into upper and lower tracts.

Ascending route of infection

Most common pathway for bacteria to enter the urinary tract, especially in females.

Hemolysin

A bacterial toxin that can disrupt red blood cells and contribute to the pathogenicity of bacteria.

Urethral contamination

Infection risk increases due to bacteria entering the urethra, often due to sexual activity.