UTI Microbiology
What is the most common bacterium responsible for causing urinary tract infections (UTIs)?
Escherichia coli (E. coli)
What is the medical term for painful urination, a common symptom of UTIs?
Dysuria
What is the primary class of antibiotics often prescribed as a first-line treatment for uncomplicated UTIs?
Beta-lactam antibiotics (e.g., amoxicillin)
What anatomical feature in females increases the risk of UTIs compared to males?
Shorter urethra in females
Which Gram-negative bacterium is often associated with UTIs in healthcare settings and can be resistant to multiple antibiotics?
Klebsiella pneumoniae
What is the name of the test that measures the concentration of dissolved substances in the urine and can help diagnose and monitor UTIs?
Urine specific gravity test
In cases of uncomplicated UTIs, how long is the typical course of antibiotic treatment recommended?
3 days
True or False: Diaphragm use as a contraceptive method can increase the risk of UTIs.
True
Some strains of E. coli responsible for UTIs can have specialized hair-like appendages used for attachment to urinary tract cells. What are these appendages called?
Pili (or fimbriae)
What is the primary difference between uncomplicated and complicated urinary tract infections, and how might this difference affect the choice of treatment?
Complicated UTIs involve structural or functional abnormalities in the urinary tract, which may require longer courses of antibiotics and more extensive diagnostic evaluation.
Besides antibiotics, what other treatment approach might be considered for recurrent UTIs, especially in postmenopausal women?
Estrogen therapy (topical or oral) to improve the health of the urinary tract mucosa
True or False: Using spermicides as a contraceptive method is associated with an increased risk of UTIs in women.
True (Spermicides can disrupt the balance of vaginal flora and make it easier for bacteria to enter the urinary tract.)