Genitourinary fungal infections

Genitourinary fungal infections have become increasingly common in clinical practice. We review the literature on such infections, emphasizing recognition of fungal disease, predisposing factors, pathogenesis, and approaches to therapy.     

Genitourinary infections and their association with preterm labor

Genitourinary tract infections are one cause of preterm delivery. Prematurity is one of the leading causes of perinatal mortality in the United States. Uterine contractions may be induced by cytokines and prostaglandins, which are released by microorganisms. Asymptomatic bacteriuria, gonococcal cervicitis and bacterial vaginosis are strongly associated with preterm delivery. The role of Chlamydia trachomatis, Trichomonas vaginalis and Ureaplasma urealyticum is less clear. By adopting a rational approach to the diagnosis and treatment of genitourinary infections, family physicians can substantially decrease a patient's risk of preterm delivery.     

Urinary tract infections

Urinary tract infections are a common infection for the primary care physician to see in the office. Epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, management, and prophylaxis are discussed. Information regarding special patient populations, such as pregnant women and children, is also provided.     

Urinary tract infections

Urinary tract infections are some of the most commonly treated bacterial infections in adults. Factors contributing to development of UTIs include personal habits, sexual habits, altered immune status, presence of diabetes, lack of estrogen and use of spermacides. Untreated or persistant UTIs may cause other more serious complications such as kidney damage or prostate infections. Symptoms that persist after appropriate treatment need further evaluation. As with any disease, appropriate patient education is necessary to help the client understand the process and follow an effective treatment plan.     

Urinary tract infections

From the viewpoint of prevention of nosocomial infections, the urinary indwelling catheter should be carefully managed. Under long term indwelling, prophylactic antimicrobial chemotherapy is no sense and generally bladder irrigation is also not necessary. In this paper, the characteristics of urinary tract infections due to MRSA and P. aeruginosa is described. The incidence of MRSA isolation from urine is increasing in recent several years. The distinction between infections and colonizations is important.     

Urinary tract infections

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common infectious disease in primary care practice. This article reviews topics highlighting recent research, including UTIs in pregnancy and pediatric UTIs. The authors also discuss catheter-associated UTIs, given the large number of hospitalized patients undergoing catheterization and residents of long-term care facilities, in whom catheters are used frequently, and complicated UTIs.     

Urinary tract infections

Urinary tract infection (UTI), with its diverse clinical syndromes and affected host groups, remains one of the most common but widely misunderstood and challenging infectious diseases encountered in clinical practice. Antimicrobial resistance is a leading concern, with few oral options available to treat infections caused by Gram-negative organisms resistant to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and fluoroquinolones, especially for patients with upper tract disease. Efforts should be made not to detect or treat asymptomatic bacteriuria and funguria; to ensure an appropriate duration of therapy for symptomatic infections; and to limit the use of broad-spectrum agents, especially fluoroquinolones, if narrower spectrum agents are available. Further research is needed regarding rapid diagnosis of UTI, accurate presumptive identification of patients with resistant pathogens, and development of new antimicrobials for drug-resistant UTI.     

Pediatric urinary tract infections

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) in children are commonly seen in the emergency department and pose several challenges to establishing the proper diagnosis and determining management. This article reviews pediatric UTI and addresses epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment, and imaging, and their importance to the practicing emergency medicine provider. Accurate and timely diagnosis of pediatric UTI can prevent short-term complications, such as severe pyelonephritis or sepsis, and long-term sequelae including scarring of the kidneys, hypertension, and ultimately chronic renal insufficiency and need for transplant.     

Lower respiratory tract infections

Although lower respiratory tract infections are frequently diagnosed in a primary care setting, they are still associated with a significant morbidity and mortality, which warrants a careful approach to treatment. Knowledge of the most common cause based on the age of the patient, location where the infection was acquired, and clinical presentation helps to direct empiric treatment. A few basic laboratory studies, especially a sputum Gram stain, can allow for more specific treatment. Identification of patients at increased risk for virulent organisms should make the primary care physician consider inpatient treatment along with an aggressive diagnostic workup and broad-spectrum antimicrobial treatment. Prevention should always be considered.     

Urinary tract infections.

Urinary tract infections can be found in either sex at any age. While the majority occur in adult females as acute cystitis, recurrent symptomatic bacteriuria, or asymptomatic bacteriuria, adult males with prostatitis or acute pyelonephritis and children with symptomatic urinary tract infections comprise a considerable portion of patients seen. Management in pregnant females or in males with indwelling catheters or before prostatic surgery presents special problems. The choice of drug and dosage schedule should vary according to the infecting agent and the clinical state of the patient.