Urinary Tract Infections

Flashcards about Urinary Tract Infections

What are capsules in bacteria?

Slippery outer parts of bacteria that make them difficult for phagocytes to engulf.

What is urease?

An enzyme produced by bacteria that breaks down urea, providing a rich food source in the bladder.

What are fimbriae?

Structures used by bacteria to attach to bladder epithelial cells.

What is uropathogenic E. Coli (UPEC)?

E. coli strains that are particularly adept at attaching to bladder epithelium.

What is an ascending infection in the context of UTIs?

An infection that occurs when bacteria ascend from the perineal skin or urethra into the bladder.

How do renal calculi (kidney stones) predispose individuals to UTIs?

They act as foreign bodies to which bacteria can stick, protecting them from the immune system.

What is a descending infection in the context of UTIs?

An infection that occurs when bacteria from a bloodstream infection gain access to the kidneys.

What is ureteric reflux?

A condition where there is a fault in the ureteric valve, allowing urine to flow back into the kidneys, leading to recurrent kidney infections.

How can a tumor present in the bladder predispose someone to UTIs?

A condition that is compromised in that the immunity doesn't work well, making it difficult to remove bacteria.

What is asymptomatic bacteriuria during pregnancy?

The presence of bacteria in the bladder without noticeable symptoms in a pregnant woman.

What is a neurogenic bladder?

A bladder that doesn't have proper control of voiding urine.

How can self-catherization predispose someone to UTIs?

The bacteria are pushed from the urethra to the bladder.

How does incomplete bladder emptying predispose individuals to UTIs?

Pooling of urine in the bladder due to prolapse, creating a residual volume that can be a source of recurrent infection.

How does glycaemia in diabetic patients increase susceptibility to UTIs?

High blood sugar levels that can dampen the immune response, making individuals more prone to UTIs.

What is a major factor that facilitates the movement of organisms up the urethra?

sexual intercourse

What was UTI formerly known as?

Honeymoon cystitis

How do lactobacilli protect the vagina?

They produce acid

UTIs occur due to the ascending of pathogenic bacteria through what canal?

The urethra

How does an enlarged prostate trigger UTIs?

Inhibit voiding of urine

Why is the kidney susceptible to hemolytic bacteria?

Kidney filters blood