Definition for Bacterial Urinary Tract Infections
From Biology Forums Dictionary
Invading bacteria may trigger inflammation in the urethra (urethritis), urinary bladder (cystitis), prostate (prostatitis), or kidneys (pyelonephritis). Mild UTIs may produce no symptoms or only a slight fever, but most often UTIs involve frequent, urgent, and painful urination, called dysuria. Pyelonephritis may trigger severe abdominal, flank (side), and back pain, high fever, chills, vomiting, and fatigue. If untreated, bacteria may enter the blood (bacteremia) and prove fatal. Gram-negative enteric bacteria such as Escherichia coli are commonly the causative pathogens. UTIs are more common in females than males because their urethra is much shorter and is closer to the anus, promoting introduction of fecal bacteria into the urinary system. No treatment is necessary for mild cases, but antimicrobial drugs prevent the spread of infection to the kidneys and blood. Intravenous administration of antimicrobials is used for severe infection. Prevention in females includes wiping from front to back after defecation, urinating following sexual intercourse, refraining from douching, and using a form of birth control other than diaphragms. Drinking 2–4 liters of fluid per day is also encouraged.
