Organisms in UTIs
In acute uncomplicated infection, the organisms are those normally colonising the perineum:
- E. coli - 65 to 80% of all UTIs
- Proteus
- Klebsiella
- Enterobacter
- Candida
- Enterococci
- Staphylococci - especially, Staph. saprophyticus in young, fit adults, especially women
In complicated UTI’s, more unusual organisms are found - such as:
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa
- Staphylococcus epidermidis
- Klebsiella
- Enterobacter
- Proteus
- Enterococcus (1)
Occasionally, organisms secondary to systemic disease arising elsewhere - such as:
- Tuberculosis
- Salmonellosis
Rarely, viruses:
- adenovirus types 2 and 11, in children
- Herpes simplex
In sexually active young men and women infection with Chlamydia trachomatis should be considered (2)
References:
- Foxman B. Urinary tract infection syndromes: occurrence, recurrence, bacteriology, risk factors, and disease burden. Infect Dis Clin North Am. 2014 Mar;28(1):1-13.
- Public Health England. Diagnosis of urinary tract infections. Published May 2020. (online)
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