Urinary tract infection: a review

Urinary tract infections have become serious health issue globally, adding economic burden to the society. The infection is observed in outpatients as well as in hospitalized patients and is more common in women than in men. Causative organisms cover a range of microbiota where, Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC), Klebsiella species and Proteus mirabilis are the most common isolates. In diabetic patients, the case is even more serious. In pregnant women UTI comes with lot of complications. Urinary tract infection is guarded by innate immunity. Toll- like receptors (TLRs) recognizes and mobilizes immune responses of the uroepithelial cells. TLR4 on activation undergoes a pathway that results in production of Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). These mechanisms help to suppress UTI. The incidence of UTI goes proportionally with their age. In order to distinguish between cystitis and pyelonephritis biomarkers are employed. Increasing antimicrobial resistance to pathogenic species have become problem in carefully diagnosing the infection. This article overviews the epidemiology, common etiologies, novel diagnosis, evolution of antibiotic resistance patterns and preventive measures of the infection. The current management practises highlights to reduce the use of unnecessary indwelling catheters and deciphering proper awareness programs in the community relating to the infection.