💡 Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, Laboratory Role, and Analytical Errors 1️⃣ First: Causes of Urinary Tract Infection A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a bacterial infection affecting different parts of the urinary system, such as the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. The main causes include: • 🦠 Bacteria: • Escherichia coli (E. coli): Responsible for 80-90% of cases. • Klebsiella spp., Proteus spp., and Staphylococcus saprophyticus. • ⚠️ Predisposing Factors: • Inadequate water intake and infrequent urination. • Poor personal hygiene. • Female gender (the short urethra in women makes it easier for bacteria to enter). • Use of urinary catheters. • Chronic diseases such as diabetes and weakened immunity. 2️⃣ Second: Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infection Symptoms vary based on the location of the infection in the urinary system: • 💧 Lower UTI (Bladder and Urethra): • Pain and burning during urination. • Frequent urination with little urine. • Cloudy or foul-smelling urine. • Presence of blood in urine (Hematuria). • 🌡️ Pyelonephritis (Kidney Infection): • High fever with chills. • Pain in the flanks and lower back. • Nausea and vomiting. • General fatigue. 3️⃣ Third: Diagnosis of Urinary Tract Infection and the Role of Laboratories 1. 🔬 Urinalysis: • Chemical testing using dipstick: • Nitrite Test: Indicates the presence of bacteria that convert nitrate to nitrite, such as E. coli. • Leukocyte esterase test: Indicates the presence of white blood cells, suggesting inflammation. • Microscopic examination of urine sample: • Checking for white blood cells, red blood cells, bacteria, and epithelial cells. 2. 🔍 Microscopic Examination Without Centrifuge: • Prepare the sample and slide properly, then examine under a microscope to detect cells and bacteria. 3. 🧫 Urine Culture: • Used to identify the causative bacteria and determine its antibiotic sensitivity. • Positive if bacterial colonies ≥ 10⁵ CFU/mL. 4️⃣ Fourth: Treatment and Antibiotics 1. 💊 Uncomplicated Cystitis (Bladder Infection): • Oral antibiotics such as: • Nitrofurantoin. • Fosfomycin. • Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX). 2. 💉 Pyelonephritis or Complicated UTI: • Intravenous antibiotics such as: • Ceftriaxone. • Carbapenems like Meropenem for resistant cases. 3. 🔄 Recurrent UTIs: • Preventive antibiotic doses for some patients. 5️⃣ Fifth: Analytical Errors in Diagnostic Laboratories 1. ❌ Pre-analytical Errors: • Improper sample collection. • Delayed sample transport. • Use of antibiotics before testing. 2. ⚠️ Analytical Errors: • Delaying sample analysis or contamination. 3. 🔍 Post-analytical Errors: • Misinterpretation of results or failure to report correct results. 6️⃣ Sixth: Prevention of Urinary Tract Infection 1. Drink adequate amounts of water. 2. Empty the bladder regularly. 3. Maintain good personal hygiene. 4. Avoid using strong soaps or scented products in the genital area. 5. Urinate after sexual intercourse to reduce bacteria transmission. 🔗 References: • Mayo Clinic – Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) 🔗 https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/urinary-tract-infection/symptoms-causes/syc-20353447 • CDC – Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Guidelines 🔗 https://www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use/community/for-patients/common-illnesses/uti.html 📝 Conclusion: Early diagnosis and proper treatment are key to preventing complications from urinary tract infections. Laboratories play a crucial role in diagnosing the infection and determining the appropriate treatment. Avoiding analytical errors is essential to ensure accurate results for correct diagnosis and effective treatment. Prepared by: Said Mohammed Al-Ja’afari : Lab Pulse Channel, follow me 🔗 https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaydi9IBKfi318dkau32 🔗 https://t.me/+5gSYJGj8GzM0ODE0