Recurrence of Urinary Tract Infections in Women: Risk Factors and Clinical Profile  

 

1Dr Taliha Islam, Ajkmc

2Dr Saira Rafique, DHQ Hospital Bagh AJK

3Sajawal Mir, AIMS Hospital

4Dr Waqar Ahmed, MO, Pakistan International Airlines

5Dr Qudsia Saeed, Ajk mc

6Ali Hassan Shah, Medical Officer, KIRF Jattlan Mirpur  

 

Abstract

Background: UTI is the most common bacterial infection in women. In spite of appropriate first-line treatment, recurrence rates do remain high.

Objective: It is important to identify risk factors, clinical patterns, and preventive measures against recurrence of UTI in women.

Methods: It was a prospective observational study to identify the recurrence rates, pattern of microbes involved, and other contributing factors to recurrence in females with UTI.

Results: Behavioral, anatomical, and microbiological factors were associated with the incidence of recurrent UTI; Escherichia coli remained the predominant pathogen. The characteristics of recurrence and its associated risk factors are summarized in the following two tables.

Conclusion: Recurrent UTI is one of the big clinical problems in women; thus, its prevention has to be complex, including behavioral modification, timely diagnosis, and individualized prophylactic therapy.

Keywords: Urinary tract infection, recurrent UTI, women, Escherichia coli, risk factors, prophylaxis, reinfection, relapse