|
Urinary
Tract Infection: Providing the Best Care
|
Introduction
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) account for more than 8 million office visits
per year and as many as 100,000 hospitalizations. Although UTIs are typically
thought to be easy to detect and cure, a number of factors must be taken
into account to provide the most appropriate and effective care. Recommendations
on the diagnosis and treatment of this common infection vary according to
patient's age and sex as well as comorbidity, level of risk of infection
with resistant pathogens, previous response to therapy, the use of a urinary
catheter, and pregnancy.[1] The choice of antimicrobials has increased,
as has the prevalence of resistant pathogens.
Those involved in the care of patients who have a UTI are faced with a number
of questions: What causes this common clinical condition? How can it be
prevented? What is the optimal clinical evaluation? Which antimicrobials
should be used empirically, and which should be avoided? Do the antimicrobials
long used in the treatment of UTI, such as nitrofurantoin and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole
(TMP-SMX), still have a role to play in the age of resistant organisms?
And when should newer agents such as the fluoroquinolones be used?
Recognizing
the Clinical Presentation
The urinary tract, adjacent to the bacteria-rich lower gastrointestinal
tract, produces and stores urine. The periurethral area is typically colonized
with gut and other flora, some capable of causing UTI.[2] While the process
of urination flushes bacteria from the urethral orifice, periurethral
pathogens on occasion enter the urethra and ascend, reaching the bladder
and resulting in UTI; this is the most common route for UTI acquisition.
On rare occasion, hematogenous UTI can occur when a pathogen is delivered
to the urinary tract via the bloodstream from a distant source of infection,
such as the lungs in a patient with pneumonia.[3]
Urinary tract infections can involve mucosal tissue (cystitis)
or soft tissue (pyelonephritis, prostatitis). Anatomically, the infection
can be limited to the lower urinary tract (cystitis involving the bladder
and urethra) or the upper tract (pyelonephritis). Complicated UTI can
occur in either the upper or lower urinary tract but is accompanied by
an underlying condition that increases the risk for failing therapy, such
as obstruction, urologic dysfunction, or resistant pathogens. Most UTIs
occur via an ascending route.[4]
UTI is typically diagnosed by clinical presentation and a limited number
of physical exam findings. In the otherwise healthy woman, history of
the present illness usually reveals a complaint of dysuria, often reported
as an internal discomfort, with urinary frequency and urgency but without
fever or constitutional symptoms. Although suprapubic tenderness and pain
are often considered part of the clinical presentation, they are only
found in about 20% of women with an uncomplicated UTI. Back pain, fever,
nausea, and vomiting are more often associated with pyelonephritis, and
rarely with cystitis; many with pyelonephritis will also report lower
UTI symptoms. While vaginal infection and irritation can cause dysuria,
most women who have dysuria without vaginal discharge have a UTI, not
vaginitis.[5]
In urethritis, the inflammation and infection is limited to the
urethra only, or urethra and vagina in women; its etiology is usually
a sexually transmitted pathogen such as Chlamydia trachomatis, Ureaplasma
urealyticum, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, or Trichomonas vaginalis.[6] Found
in men and women, complaints include discomfort during voiding, but there
are usually no symptoms of postvoid suprapubic pain or urinary frequency.
Hemorrhagic cystitis is characterized by large quantities of visible
blood in the urine. Its etiology can be bacterial or adenovirus types
1-47 infection or as a result of radiation, cancer chemotherapy, or select
immunosuppressive medication. Clinical presentation usually depends on
its origin; with all causes, irritative voiding symptoms are typically
reported. When infectious in origin, signs and symptoms of infection may
also be encountered. Adenovirus is a common cause and is self-limiting
in nature. Hemorrhagic cystitis is often confused with glomerulonephritis,
but hypertension and abnormal renal function are absent in the former.
When radiation-induced, symptoms may develop months after cessation of
treatment.[7,8]
Acute pyelonephritis is an infection of the renal parenchyma and
renal pelvis, caused by an ascending cystitis; most episodes are uncomplicated
and not accompanied by risk of treatment failure such as obstruction,
urologic dysfunction, or a multidrug-resistant uropathogen.[4] Irritative
voiding symptoms similar to cystitis are usually reported, along with
fever and flank pain, often with vomiting. Clinical findings usually include
an acutely ill appearance, costovertebral tenderness, and pyuria. Table
1 outlines the clinical findings in women with dysuria and pyuria.
Table 1. Clinical Findings in Women With Dysuria and Pyuria[3,9]
| Clinical
Findings in Addition to Dysuria and Pyuria |
Possible
Etiology |
Comment |
| Suprapubic
tenderness, pelvic discomfort especially pre- and immediately postvoid,
urinary urgency and frequency, small volume voiding, hematuria (micro
or macroscopic). |
Cystitis,
lower urinary tract infection |
Gram-negative
bacilli (Escherichia coli, Proteus, Klebsiella, others), select
Gram-positive organism (Staphylococcus saprophyticus). |
| Flank
pain, fever, CVA tenderness, nausea and vomiting, bacteremia; suprapubic
tenderness, urinary urgency and frequency present or absent. |
Pyelonephritis |
Pathogenic
organisms revealed by urine culture include Gram-negative bacilli
(E coli, Proteus, Klebsiella, others). Kidney stones and obstructive
uropathy may be contributors. |
| Urethral,
vaginal discharge in the absence of suprapubic pain or tenderness,
urinary frequency, urgency, fever; numerous white blood cells found
on microscopic wet mount examination of vaginal discharge |
Urethritis |
Most
common as sexually transmitted infection such as Chlamydia trachomatis,
Niesseria gonorrhoeae, Trichomonas vaginalis |
| Irritative
voiding symptoms, purulent or mucopurulent vaginal or cervical discharge,
report of postcoital bleeding, edema and/or erythema of cervix or
cervical os, brisk bleeding induced by endocervical swabbing, numerous
white blood cells found on microscopic wet mount examination of
vaginal discharge |
Mucopurulent
cervicitis |
N
gonorrhoeae, C trachomatis, others. |
| Irritative
voiding symptoms, purulent or mucopurulent vaginal or cervical discharge,
fever, abdominal pain, edema and/or erythema of cervix or cervical
os, brisk bleeding induced by endocervical swabbing, cervical motion
tenderness, possible evidence of tubal-ovarian mass, numerous white
blood cells found on microscopic wet mount |
Pelvic
inflammatory disease |
N
gonorrhoeae, C trachomatis, E coli, micro-organisms that normally
comprise vaginal flora (anaerobes, Helicobacter influenzae, enteric
Gram-negative rods, Streptococcus agalactiae), Mycoplasma and Ureaplasma
species, others. |
Selecting
Laboratory Tests
Laboratory testing has traditionally been used to support the diagnosis
of UTI. Urine sampling for diagnostic testing is obtained through midstream
voiding. A midstream urine sample can be used for dipstick, microscopic
urinalysis, and urine culture. Urine dipstick testing is commonly done
in the office setting when UTI is suspected because it is simple and convenient
and yields immediate results.
Leukocyte esterase, nitrates, protein, and blood are the important features
in evaluating for UTI. The presence of leukocyte esterase on a urine dipstick
is equivalent to >/= 4 white blood cells per high-power field (WBC/hpf).
Nearly all (>/= 96%) patients with UTI have pyuria equivalent to >
10 WBC/hpf.[5] Some uropathogens are capable of reducing dietary nitrates
in the urine to nitrite; this is an indirect test for bacteriuria. When
coupled with a leukocyte esterase response, the likely offending organism
is a Gram-negative pathogen (Escherichia coli, Proteus spp., Klebsiella
pneumoniae).
The nitrite test may be falsely negative in UTI with a low colony count,
or in recently voided or dilute urine. In addition, this test does not
detect organisms unable to reduce nitrate to nitrite, such as enterococci,
staphylococci, or adenovirus.[10] Small amounts of protein and red blood
cells may also be positive on dipstick in cases of UTI. Table 2 highlights
common urinalysis dipstick findings in UTI. However, in one study of healthy
young adult women with dysuria for less than 1 week without vaginal discharge,
signs of pyelonephritis, or predisposing conditions, empiric therapy guided
by clinical presentation alone was the most cost-effective strategy; culture
and treat-later strategies were significantly more expensive, and use
of the dipstick alone was the most expensive approach.[11] Further prospective
clinical trials will be helpful in establishing the most cost-effective
and clinically effective strategy, including patient-directed therapy.
Table 2. Common Urinalysis Dipstick Findings in Urinary Tract Infection[12,13]
| Finding |
Significance |
Comment |
| Color
|
Typically
pale yellow to colorless |
Change
in urine color is not synonymous with urinary tract infection (UTI)
or disease. |
| Clarity |
Typically
clear |
Pyuria
causes urinary turbidity |
| Odor |
Mild
characteristic odor |
Rancid
or ammonia odor in urea-splitting organism |
| Specific
gravity (SG) |
Dilute
urine = SG </= 1.008
Concentrated urine = SG > 1.020
|
Dilute
or concentrated urine may influence the results of urine chemstrip
testing. |
| Leukocyte
esterase (LE) |
Test
for enzyme present in white blood cell (WBC) |
Positive
results indicated presence of neutrophils > 4 WBCs/hpf, an indicator
of UTI, reported sensitivity of 75% to 90%. Results not valid in
neutropenic patient. Decreased sensitivity with increased urinary
glucose concentration, high urinary SG, and presence of antimicrobial
in urine. |
| Nitrites |
Surrogate
marker for bacteriuria. Presence indicates bacterial reduction of
dietary nitrates to nitrites by select Gram-negative uropathogens
including Escherichia coli, Proteus spp.
Normally absent in sterile urine and infection caused by enterococci,
staphylococci.
|
Best
done on well-concentrated urine such as first AM void. For nitrites
to be present, urine should be held in bladder for >/= 1 hour
for nitrate-to-nitrite conversion to take place; dietary nitrate
intake must be adequate. False negative possible with low colony-count
infections. |
| Protein |
Dipstick
testing most sensitive for albumin |
Common
in febrile response or represents presence of protein-containing
substance such as white blood cells, bacteria, mucous. In UTI, usually
trace to 30 mg/dL (1+), seldom >/= 100 mg/dL. |
| pH |
Average
pH = 5-6
Acid pH = 4.5-5.5
Alkaline pH = 6.5-8
|
If
alkaline urine is found in presence of UTI symptoms and positive
leukocyte esterase, likely urea splitting such as Proteus, allowing
urea to be split into CO2 and ammonia, causing a rise in the urine's
normally acid pH. |
| Red
blood cells (RBCs) |
Low
number of RBCs noted.
Gross hematuria may occur in uncomplicated UTI but may be present
in infection complicated by nephrolithiasis |
Microscopic
hematuria common with urinary tract infection but not in urethritis
or vaginitis. |
Microscopic
urinalysis can be used to confirm UTI but requires additional equipment
and considerable technical skill if done in the office, or delay in time
if performed in a laboratory. When coupled with classic symptoms, a finding
of 2-5 WBCs or >/= 15 bacteria per hpf in a centrifuged urine sediment
is consistent with UTI.[10] The presence of many epithelial cells usually
indicates a contaminated specimen.
Urine culture is important when diagnosis is not clear or UTI is recurrent.
The presence of more than one organism may indicate a contaminated urine
specimen and collection and testing should be repeated. The presence of
>/= 105 CFU/mL of bacteria is the traditional diagnostic indicator
for UTI. However, in the presence of dysuria and other symptoms for UTI,
102 CFU/mL confirms the diagnosis.
Approximately 10% to 20% of women with acute uncomplicated pyelonephritis
will have blood cultures positive for the offending pathogen. However,
this is not predictive of a poorer outcome or need for protracted length
of treatment in the otherwise healthy woman. While typically obtained
when a patient pyelonephritis needs to be hospitalized, obtaining blood
cultures will likely be of benefit only when there is evidence of complicated
infection, multidrug-resistant pathogen or treatment failure.[4]
What Factors
Determine the Risk of UTI?
Certain factors protect against or increase the risk for UTI. Male sex
is recognized as a potent protective factor, in part due to the longer
urethral length compared with women. In addition, certain women with a
closer proximity of the urethral orifice to the anus appear to be at increased
UTI risk.[14] In addition, the scrotum provides a physical barrier between
the glans and the perianal region, a potential source of uropathogens.
Unlike the periurethral area in women, the male periurethral area does
not support bacterial growth. Zinc-rich prostatic secretions are antibacterial,
further discouraging pathogen growth.[15] In women, the intestinal tract
or periurethral area becomes colonized with uropathogens. Once colonization
occurs, the organisms may remain in place, whether or not these cause
a urinary tract infection.
In either sex, efficient bladder emptying helps prevent urine stagnation
and minimizes UTI risk. Factors that can alter efficient bladder emptying,
such as cystocele, rectocele, and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) increase
UTI risk. In addition, robust fucosyltransferase activity discourages
bacterial adherence; the presence of relatively few bacterial adhesion
receptor sites in the bladder and urethra acts similarly. Women with these
receptors who do not have mucosal secretion of the fucosyltransferase
enzyme to help block bacterial adherence are more likely to have colonization
of E coli and other coliforms from the rectum and less likely to have
lactobacilli in the periurethral area, resulting in frequent episodes
of cystitis. The uroepithelial receptors can also be found in the upper
urinary tract, increasing the risk of pyelonephritis.[6] Women who are
nonsecretors of ABH blood group antigens show enhanced adherence of uropathogenic
E coli to uroepithelial cells compared with women who are secretors; this
becomes a major UTI risk factor when coupled with spermicide use or frequent
vaginal sexual intercourse.[16]
The woman who is exposed to the spermicide nonoxynol-9, either through
vaginal use or with a male partner who uses condoms with this spermicide,
is at increased risk of UTI. The proposed mechanism of this risk is due
to the spermicide's antibacterial effect, reducing lactobacilli, a normal
component of the periurethral flora. Lactobacilli produce hydrogen peroxide
and lactic acid, providing the periurethral area and vagina with a pH
that inhibits bacterial growth and blocks potential sites of attachment,
as well as being toxic to uropathogens.[17] Recent studies also propose
that spermicides containing the antibacterial detergent benzethonium chloride,
often used as a preservative, may contribute to this problem. Although
often recommended, voiding at regular intervals, wiping patterns, and
postcoital voiding have not been proven to provide uncomplicated UTI protection[14,18];
hot tubs, pantyhose, douching, and obesity have not been demonstrated
to increase UTI risk.[14]
In postmenopausal women, estrogen deficiency leads to a marked reduction
in lactobacilli colonization in the vaginal-perineal areas; topical estrogen
use results in reestablishment of the normal protective flora and a reduction
of UTI risk.[17] Recent antimicrobial use potentially increases UTI risk
by the same mechanism.[14] The replenishment of urogenital microflora
with probiotics or exogenous application of protective, "friendly"
bacteria, via vaginal douche or capsule or taken orally in capsules, drinks,
or yogurt, is gaining popularity for genitourinary tract infections.[19]
In children and elders, constipation has been noted to contribute to bladder
instability and may encourage UTI.[20] Elders often have a number of risk
factors for UTI, including alterations in urinary tract structure such
as uterine prolapse, cystocele, rectocele, and BPH, and limited functional
status impairing mobility, hygiene, and toileting.[20]
UTI in
Special Populations
Most uncomplicated UTIs occur in women of reproductive age who otherwise
do not have chronic health problems or voiding disorders; assessment is
often straightforward and treatment is effective. However, certain populations,
including elders, pregnant women, and people with clinical conditions
such as asymptomatic bacteriuria, bear special mention.
Asymptomatic Bacteriuria
Asymptomatic bacteriuria, in which urine culture reveals a significant
growth of a pathogen (> 105 bacteria/mL)[20] but the patient has no
symptoms of UTI, can be found at equal rates in pregnant and nonpregnant
women during the reproductive years. Incidence increases with age. Asymptomatic
bacteriuria is noted in approximately 20% to 25% of community-dwelling
women age 65 and older and in around 10% of community-dwelling men age
65 and older. In the nonpregnant woman of reproductive age or the well
elder, asymptomatic bacteriuria poises no health threat and should only
be treated if bladder instrumentation or surgery is planned. In fact,
treatment may result in the development of resistant organisms. A course
of an appropriate antimicrobial is indicated if bladder instrumentation
is planned.[10,21]
The incidence of asymptomatic bacteriuria among elders residing in long-term-care
facilities increases to 20% to 50% for those without an indwelling urinary
catheter, but virtually all with an indwelling catheter have bacteriuria.
Risk factors for bacteriuria in the elderly include altered elimination
(fecal impaction and the use of medications that encourage constipation
and urinary retention such as anticholinergic drugs), anatomic variations
in the urinary tract (cystocele, BPH), hygienic issues (fecal soiling,
poor perineal hygiene), neurologic impairment affecting mobility and bladder
emptying, and postmenopausal hormonal changes. In the person with an indwelling
urinary catheter and evidence of sepsis, bacteriuria should be treated.[18]
Cunha proposes the following formulas to assist with the differentiation
between UTI and bacteriuria: pyuria alone = inflammation; bacteriuria
without pyuria = colonization; pyuria + bacteriuria + nitrites = infection.[22]
Symptomatic UTI in the Elderly
The healthy elder with an uncomplicated lower UTI, regardless of gender,
is likely to have a classic presentation including urinary frequency,
urgency, and suprapubic discomfort; new-onset urinary incontinence may
also be reported. The frail elder with multiple health problems and complicated
UTI may have an atypical or subtle presentation of infection, including
change in appetite, delirium, and agitation. An elder with urinary incontinence
and UTI may experience an increase in the number of episodes of urine
loss.[20,22]
UTI and Asymptomatic Bacteriuria During Pregnancy
Pregnancy-related anatomic changes in the urinary tract, such as pressure
on the bladder from enlarging uterus and increase in the size of the ureters,
contribute to urinary reflux. UTI in the pregnant woman is a significant
risk factor for low-birthweight infants and prematurity.
Asymptomatic bacteriuria occurs in 5% to 9% of both nonpregnant and pregnant
women. If left untreated in pregnancy, progression to symptomatic UTI
including acute cystitis and pyelonephritis occurs in 15% to 45%, or 4-fold
higher than in nonpregnant women. This is due largely to the lower interleukin-6
levels and serum antibody responses to E coli antigens that occur during
pregnancy, resulting in less robust immune response.
Since asymptomatic bacteriuria, usually caused by aerobic Gram-negative
bacilli or Staphylococcus haemolyticus, can lead to UTI, a urine culture
should be obtained from all women early in pregnancy, even in the absence
of UTI symptoms.[10] Approximately 20% to 40% of women with bacteriuria
will develop UTI during the course of the pregnancy; only 1% to 2% of
those with a negative urine culture develop UTI. Bacteriuria should be
treated with a 3- to 7-day course of antimicrobials, which reduces the
risk of symptomatic UTI by 80% to 90%.[10,21]
Therapeutic options for the treatment of asymptomatic bacteriuria and
symptomatic UTI during pregnancy are guided by pathogen susceptibility,
and preferred antimicrobials include those with US Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) pregnancy risk category B. Table 3 identifies FDA pregnancy risk
and Hale's lactation risk categories for commonly prescribed antimicrobials
in UTI. Antimicrobials in pregnancy risk category B include the beta-lactams
(amoxicillin, cephalexin, cefpodoxime, cefixime, and amoxicillin/clavulanate)
and nitrofurantoin. Nitrofurantoin has the advantage of sparing disruption
of normal vaginal flora and consistent efficacy against E coli and Staphylococcus
saprophyticus. Nitrofurantoin should be avoided after the 36th week of
gestation due to the potential (though unlikely) risk for hemolysis if
the fetus is G6PD-deficient and in infections caused by Proteus mirabilis.
Beta-lactam use usually fails to eradicate the offending pathogen from
the periurethral and perivaginal area, increasing the risk of reinfection.
Table 3. FDA Pregnancy Risk and Hale's Lactation Risk Categories for Commonly
Prescribed Antimicrobials in Urinary Tract Infection
| Cat
B, L1, L2 |
Cat
C, L3 |
Cat
D, L3 |
Nitrofurantoin
Amoxicillin with clavulanate
Amoxicillin
Cephalosporins
|
Fluoroquinolones
TMP-SMX
|
Doxycycline |
| Lactation
Risk Category[23] |
| L1
-- Safest, controlled study = Fails to demonstrate risk |
| L2
-- Safer, limited number of woman studied without risk |
| L3
-- Moderately safe, no controlled study or controlled study
shows minimal, nonlife-threatening risk |
| L4
-- Hazardous, positive evidence of risk, may be used if maternal
life-threatening situation |
| L5
-- Contraindicated, significant, and documented risk |
| FDA
Pregnancy Risk Categories[23] |
| Category
A |
Category
B |
Category
C |
Category
D |
Category
X |
Well-controlled
human study = no fetal risk in first trimester.
No evidence of risk in second, third trimesters.
Risk to fetus appears remote.
|
Animal
studies do not demonstrate fetal risk but no controlled study in
humans.
OR
Animal studies show adverse effect but not demonstrated in human
study.
|
No
controlled study in humans available. Animals reveal adverse fetal
effects. |
Positive
evidence of human fetal risk.
Use in pregnant woman occasionally acceptable despite risk.
|
Animal
or human studies demonstrate fetal abnormality.
Evidence of fetal risk based on human study.
No indication in pregnancy.
|
The
fluoroquinolones and TMP-SMX are FDA pregnancy risk category C; TMP-SMX
is also associated with a higher risk of treatment failure due to resistant
pathogens.[6] Women with symptomatic UTI during pregnancy should be treated
for 7 days, and asymptomatic bacteruria is usually treated for 3 days.
Once UTI is documented, monthly screening urine cultures should be obtained
for the duration of the pregnancy. Daily antimicrobial prophylaxis with
an appropriate agent should be considered with evidence of 2 days of a
symptomatic UTI or persistent, unresolved bacteruria, in spite of effective
antimicrobial therapy. Urologic evaluation should also be considered to
rule out structural abnormality.[10,21]
UTI in Men
UTI is often thought to be rare in men, but it is the most common cause
of male dysuria. It typically occurs during the first 3 months of life
or after age 50 years. Potential obstruction to urine flow may be caused
by the foreskin in early life and by the prostate in mid and later life.[24]
The male presenting with fever, dysuria, and back pain should be evaluated
for acute bacterial prostatitis or pyelonephritis; a urology referral
should be considered with any male UTI. Table 4 reviews the clinical findings
in men with dysuria and pyuria.[25] Asymptomatic bacteriuria in the older
man should not be treated unless bladder instrumentation, surgery, or
prostatic massage is planned.[21]
Table 4. Clinical Findings in Men with Dysuria and Pyuria[25]
| Clinical
Findings in Addition to Dysuria and Pyuria |
Possible
Etiology |
Comment |
| Back
pain, fever, CVA tenderness, nausea and vomiting, bacteremia |
Pyelonephritis |
Consider
urinary tract obstructive process such as BPH, stones. Pathogenic
organisms revealed by urine culture include Gram-negative bacilli
(Escherichia coli, Proteus, Klebsiella, others) |
| Back
pain, fever, arthralgia, myalgia, rectal pain obstructive voiding
symptoms, tender, boggy prostate |
Acute
prostatitis |
Urine
culture reveals pathogenic organisms (E coli, Proteus, Klebsiella,
others) |
| Scrotal
swelling and redness, fever, epididymal tenderness |
Acute
epididymitis |
Pyuria
rate = approximately 25%. May be caused by sexually transmitted
organism (Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae) or uropathogen
such as E coli in man with recent urinary tract instrumentation
|
| Urethral
discharge in the absence of suprapubic pain, urinary frequency,
urgency, fever |
Urethritis |
Most
common as sexually-transmitted infection (C trachomatis, N gonorrhoeae) |
Uropathogens
and Antimicrobial Therapy
The treatment of UTI usually includes an antimicrobial prescription.
Selection of an appropriate agent depends on the anticipated pathogen,
which is determined in large part by patient characteristics such as
age, sex, pregnancy, the anatomic location of the infection, and comorbid
conditions. Antimicrobial characteristics include spectrum of activity,
pharmacokinetics (including tissue penetration into the urinary tract),
and the adverse effect profile.[3] Table 5 highlights medications for
acute uncomplicated cystitis, including dose, and adverse effects. Concern
about infection with resistant pathogens can influence the clinician
to choose an antimicrobial with broad coverage when one with a narrow
spectrum of activity would be more appropriate. The use of any antimicrobial
can change the microbiology in the immediate and extended environment.[2,5,25]
Table 5. Oral Treatment Regimens for Acute Uncomplicated Cystitis
| Agent |
Normal
Dosage |
Adverse
Effects and Cautions |
| Ciprofloxacin |
250
mg twice a day for 3 days |
Drowsiness;
increases theophylline levels; avoid in pregnancy; avoid divalent
and trivalent cations |
| Fosfomycin |
3-g
single dose |
Increased
incidence of diarrhea and nausea and increased relapse rate |
| Gatifloxacin |
200
mg/day for 3 days |
Avoid
in pregnancy; avoid divalent and trivalent cations |
| Levofloxacin |
250
mg/day for 3 days |
Avoid
in pregnancy; avoid divalent and trivalent cations |
| Nitrofurantoin |
100
mg twice a day for 7 days |
Idiosyncratic
pulmonary fibrosis; avoid in patients with estimated monohydrate/creatinine
clearance < 60 mL/minute; macrocrystals; FDA pregnancy risk category
B; Avoid use >/= 36 weeks gestation |
| Norfloxacin |
400
mg twice a day for 3 days |
Avoid
in pregnancy; avoid divalent and trivalent cations |
| Ofloxacin |
200
mg twice a day for 3 days |
Avoid
in pregnancy; avoid divalent and trivalent cations |
| Trimethoprim |
100
mg twice a day for 3 days |
Nausea;
risk of treatment failure |
| Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole |
1
double-strength tablet twice a day for 3 days |
Nausea;
rash; risk of treatment failure |
Most
episodes of community-acquired cystitis in women, the most commonly
encountered UTI, are caused by enteric Gram-negative rods from the Enterobacteriaceae
group, such as E coli and P mirabilis, as well as the less commonly
encountered K pneumoniae. S saprophyticus, a Gram-positive organism,
and E coli accounted for more than 90% of the uropathogens in one study
of 4324 urine isolates obtained from women with cystitis during a 5-year
period; nearly all of these isolates were sensitive to ciprofloxacin
and nitrofurantoin, while up to 18% were resistant to TMP-SMX and at
least 28% were resistant to beta-lactams (cephalothin and ampicillin).[26]
Given that E coli is by far the most common uropathogen, recent developments
in TMP-SMX-resistant strains bear mention. Factors influencing the development
of multidrug-resistant E coli strains include liberal use of TMP-SMX
to treat UTI in adults as well as to provide prophylaxis against Pneumocystis
carinii pneumonia in patients with HIV. In children, attendance at day
care, age younger than 3 years, and repeated TMP-SMX use for respiratory
infections are risk factors for infection with a resistant uropathogen;
child-to-child and child-to-parent transmission of this organism may
then take place.[27,28]
TMP-SMX has also been widely used in animal feed, likely contributing
to TMP-SMX resistance among E coli strains in animals, although the
role of the animal reservoir as a contributor to the origin or spread
of uropathogenic E coli has not been demonstrated. Travel to an area
with a high prevalence of TMP-SMX resistance may result in what Stamm[28]
called "traveler's urinary tract infection" with a multidrug-resistant
E coli strain. Multidrug resistance may be transferred on a single plasmid,
often yielding resistance to TMP-SMX, ampicillin, cephalothin, and tetracycline;
seldom does this multidrug resistance extend to nitrofurantoin.
Infectious Disease Society of America (IDSA) Guidelines for Treatment
of Uncomplicated UTI advise a 3-day course of TMP-SMX for acute cystitis
treatment in regions where E coli TMP-SMX resistance is less than 20%.[27]
Alternative therapies in the presence of sulfa allergy or where E coli
TMP-SMX resistance rates exceed 20% include a fluoroquinolone or nitrofurantoin.
Fluoroquinolones are contraindicated in children aged 18 years and under
due to possible disruption of developing cartilage.
The Medscape UTI Zone Resource Center[29] provides information on uropathogen
susceptibility data for various regions of the United States. Choosing
one of these agents will assure infection resolution; nitrofurantoin
has a focused spectrum of activity and can spare gut flora exposure
to a wider-spectrum antimicrobial and possibly reduce the risk for development
of resistant pathogens.[25,28] When prescribing nitrofurantoin for the
treatment of cystitis, the IDSA recommends a 7-day course.[27]
Although E coli remains the most common uropathogen in the community
and long-term-care-dwelling elder, P mirabilis and K pneumoniae account
for approximately one third of all infections in this age group. Length
of antimicrobial in the elder with uncomplicated UTI should be 7-10
days in women and 10-14 days in men; short-course therapy is not recommended.
First-line therapy includes TMP-SMX or fluoroquinolones; nitrofurantoin
should not be used in the elderly, as its safe use requires a minimum
creatinine clearance of 40 mL/min.[30] In the elder with impaired renal
function, TMP-SMX and fluoroquinolone doses need adjustment as well.
Is an Office Visit Needed?
In the adult woman, the clinical presentation of cystitis nearly always
includes dysuria, frequency, and/or urgency; laboratory diagnostics
typically add little to the assessment process. As a result, the rationale
for insisting on an office visit prior to treatment needs to be questioned.
The Institute for Clinical Systems Improvement advises that in the adult
woman with dysuria, frequency, and/or urgency without symptoms or risks
of genitourinary disease such as sexually transmitted diseases and complicating
factors, short-course antimicrobial therapy with patient education may
be given without an office or provider visit.[31] Complicating factors
include protracted duration of symptoms; signs and symptoms of pyelonephritis;
concomitant health problems including diabetes mellitus, renal disease,
or recurrent UTI; or the presence of any factor that dictates the need
for an office visit and provider assessment. The University of Michigan
Health Systems offers similar guidelines,[32] as does a well-designed
study presented at the 2001 Interscience Conference on Antimicrobial
Agents and Chemotherapy.[33]
Posttreatment Follow-up
Routine posttreatment cultures in uncomplicated cystitis and pyelonephritis
are not warranted; follow-up cultures in complicated infection should
be obtained as appropriate during the evaluation and treatment of the
complicating factors. Urologic imaging (renal ultrasound or computed
tomographic scan) should be considered if pyelonephritis symptoms initially
resolve but recur within 2 weeks of the end of antimicrobial therapy
and urine culture yields the original pathogen with sensitivity profile.
Retreatment with a 2-week regimen using another agent should be considered.[4]
Recurrent Infection: Relapse Vs Reinfection
Approximately 20% of patients with UTI will develop a second infection
with 6 months. A recurrent infection that occurs within 2 weeks of completing
antimicrobial treatment and is caused by the original uropathogen is
a relapse of infection. Reinfection occurs after 2 weeks of antimicrobial
therapy has been completed and may be caused by the same or a different
organism.[10]
For women with repeated UTIs, patient-initiated therapy should be considered.
In this, the patient has an appropriate antimicrobial available and
initiates therapy at first UTI symptom. Recent study on this practice
failed to demonstrate an increase in the rate of resistant pathogens.[33]
For patient-initiated therapy to be safe and successful, the patient
needs to have a clear understanding of length of UTI therapy, signs
and symptoms of treatment failure, and when to seek provider assistance.[34]
UTI prophylaxis may be indicated for women who experience 2 or more
symptomatic UTIs within 6 months or 3 or more UTIs over 12 months, or
for those with fewer infections but with severe discomfort. Both continuous
prophylaxis, in which an antimicrobial is taken daily for 6 months or
more, and postcoital prophylaxis, in which an antimicrobial is taken
with each act of coitus, have been demonstrated to be effective in the
management of recurrent uncomplicated cystitis. Prior to initiating
UTI prophylaxis, resolution of the previous UTI should be confirmed
by a negative urine culture 1-2 weeks posttreatment. The method prescribed
is dependent upon the frequency and pattern of recurrences and patient
preference.[35]
Choice of an antimicrobial agent for recurrent UTI should be based on
susceptibility patterns of the strains causing the patient's previous
UTIs and patient history of drug allergies or intolerance. Long-term
TMP-SMX or nitrofurantoin therapy has been used successfully for many
years. When compared with TMP-SMX, nitrofurantoin has the advantage
of lower rates of resistance of the more common UTI pathogens. The use
of a fluoroquinolone for UTI prophylaxis has gained some popularity;
concern about emerging resistance is an issue. UTI prophylaxis in the
postmenopausal woman should also include the use of a topical estrogen
to encourage lactobacilli recolonization.[14]
Cranberry juice intake has been touted as a helpful measure to reduce
the rate of recurrent infections. Initially believed to cause high levels
of benzoic acid that resulted in urinary acidification and bacteriostatic
action, further study failed to support this hypothesis. Rather, cranberry-derived
substances including glycoproteins, fructose, and condensed tannins
(proanthocyanidins) prevent bacterial adherence, especially E coli,
to urinary epithelial cells. Infection risk is then minimized as pathogens
are flushed from the urinary tract. This property has also been noted
with blueberry juice. A minimum of 300-400 mg twice daily in tablet
form or 8-16 oz of a >/= 30% cranberry juice blend is needed to yield
therapeutic effective. Cranberry juice intake also appears to weaken
attachment of E coli to inert surfaces and controls biofilm formation
on urinary catheters.[36-38] However, a systematic review of studies
indicated a high withdrawal rate and conflicting results. Long-term
adherence to cranberry products and expected benefit may be overestimated.[39]
Recommendations
for Practice
The assessment and treatment of the patient with a UTI is often straightforward,
but in certain populations, such as pregnant women and the elderly,
diagnosis and therapy can pose complex challenges for the primary care
provider. Uncomplicated cystitis needs to be differentiated from pyelonephritis,
urethritis, mucopurulent cervicitis, and pelvic inflammatory disease
by evaluating clinical findings elicited from the physical examination
and appropriate diagnostic tests. While presentation of uncomplicated
cystitis in the adult woman does not always require laboratory evaluation
for confirmation of diagnosis, the urine dipstick, microscopic urinalysis,
and urine culture tests may play a role in other cases. Keeping in mind
the most likely uropathogens and patient factors such as age, gender,
comorbidity, resistant pathogen risk, previous response to therapy,
urinary catheter use, and pregnancy can help guide the clinician to
the most cost-effective therapy.
References
1.
O'Donnell J, Gelone S, Abrutyne E. Selecting drug regimens for urinary
tract infection: current recommendations. Infect Med. 2002;19:14-22.
Available at:
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/423482. Accessed March 11, 2002.
2. O'Brien T. Resistance problems of urinary tract infections
with gram-negative bacilli. In: Cuhna B, ed. Urinary tract infections:
current issues in diagnosis and treatment. Antibiotics for Clinicians.
1998;2(suppl 2):23-28.
3. Desai S. Dysuria (women). In: Desai S. Clinician's Guide to
Diagnosis. Hudson, Ohio: Lexi-Comp, Inc; 2001:189-206.
4. Hooton T, Stamm W. Acute pyelonephritis: symptoms, diagnosis
and treatment. Available at: www.uptodate.com. Accessed February 19,
2002.
5. Cunha B. Introduction: Urinary tract infections. In: Cunha
B, ed. Urinary tract infections: Current issues in diagnosis and treatment.
Antibiotics for Clinicians. 1998;2(suppl 2):3-4.
6. Kurowski K. The woman with dysuria. American Family Physician;
May 1, 1998. Available at:
http://www.aafp.org/afp/980501ap/kurowski.html. Accessed April 10, 2002.
7. Kunin CL. Urinary tract infections and pyelonephritis. In:
Goldman L, Bennett JC, eds. Cecil Textbook of Medicine. 21st ed. Philadelphia:
W.B. Saunders; 1999;613- 616.
8. Sparling PF. Introduction to sexually transmitted disease
and common syndromes. In: Goldman L, Bennett JC, eds. Cecil Textbook
of Medicine. 21st ed. Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders; 1999;1738-1742.
9. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sexually transmitted
disease treatment guidelines 2002. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2002;51(No.
RR-6):36-52.
10. Orenstein R, Wong ES. Urinary tract infections in adults.
American Family Physician; March 1, 1999. Available at:
www.aafp.org/afp/990301ap/1225.html Accessed April 10, 2002.
11. Barry HC, Ebell MH, Hickner J. Evaluation of suspected urinary
tract infection in ambulatory women: A cost-utility analysis of office-based
strategies. J Fam Pract. 1997;44:49-60. Abstract
12. Rejavel S, Treanor J. Adenovirus diseases. In: Goldman L,
Bennett JC. Cecil Textbook of Medicine. 21st edition. Philadelphia,
Pa: WB Saunders; 1999:1801-1803.
13. Desai S, Isa-Pratt S. Urinalysis. In: Desai S, Isa-Pratt
S. Clinician's Guide to Laboratory Medicine. Hudson, Ohio: Lexi-Comp,
Inc; 2000:517-531.
14. Stamm T, Hooton W. Recurrent urinary tract infection. Available
at:
www.uptodate.com. Accessed March 19, 2002.
15. Bruce G, Galloway N. Diagnostic and therapeutic considerations
in catheter associated bacteruria in hospital/ chronic care facility.
In: Cuhna B, ed. Urinary tract infections: current issues in diagnosis
and treatment. Antibiotics for Clinicians. 1998;2(suppl 2):11-16.
16. Gupta K, Stamm WE. Pathogenesis and management of recurrent
urinary tract infections in women. World J Urol. 1999;17:415.
17. Warren J, Clinical presentation of urinary tract infections
in the office setting. In: Cuhna B, ed. Urinary tract infections: current
issues in diagnosis and treatment. Antibiotics for Clinicians. 1998;2(suppl
2):1 5-10.
18. Kunin C. Urinary tract infections and pyelonephritis. In:
Goldman L, Bennett JC, eds. Cecil Textbook of Medicine. 21st ed. Philadelphia:
W.B. Saunders; 1999;613-617.
19. Reid G, Bruce AW. Could probiotics be an option for treating
and preventing urogenital infections? Medscape Women's Health. 2001;6(5).
Available at:
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/408951. Accessed April 10, 2002.
20. Urinary tract infections. In: Beuben D, Herr K, Pacala J,
Potter J, Semla T, Small G, eds. Geriatrics at Your Fingertips. New
York: American Geriatrics Society; 2000:70-73.
21. Gilbert D, Moellering R, Sande M. Sanford Guide to Antimicrobial
Therapy. 32nd ed. Hyde Park, Vermont: Antimicrobial Therapy, Inc; 2002.
22. Cunha B. Therapeutic approach to treating urinary tract infections.
In: Cuhna B, ed. Urinary tract infections: current issues in diagnosis
and treatment. Antibiotics for Clinicians. 1998;2(suppl 2):35-40.
23. Hale T. Medications and Mothers' Milk. 10th ed. Amarillio,
Texas: Pharmasoft Medical Publishing; 2002.
24. Howe DS. Urinary tract infection, male. Available at:
http://www.emedicine.com/emerg/topic625.htm (free registration required).
Accessed June 4, 2002.
25. Desai S. Dysuria (men). In: Desai S. Clinician's guide to
diagnosis. Hudson, Ohio: Lexi-Comp, Inc; 2001:78-81.
26. Gupta K, Scholes D, Stamm W. Increasing prevalence of antimicrobial
resistance among uropathogens causing acute uncomplicated cystitis in
women. JAMA. 1999;281:736-738. Abstract
27. Warren J, Abrutyne E, Hebel R, Johnson J, Schaeffer A, Stamm
W. Guidelines for antimicrobial treatment of uncomplicated acute bacterial
cystitis and pyelonephritis in women. Clin Infect Dis. 1999;29:745-758.
Abstract
28. Stamm W. An epidemic of urinary tract infections? N Engl
J Med. 2001;345:1055.
29. Medscape Resource Center -- UTI-Zone. Available at:
http://www.medscape.com/pages/editorial/resourcecenters/public/uti/rc-uti.ov.
Accessed June 5, 2002.
30. Shua-Haim JR, Ross JS. Urinary-tract infections in the elderly:
a practical approach. Clin Geriatr. 2000. Available at:
http://www.mmhc.com/engine.pl?station=mmhc&template=cgfull.html&id=1076.
Accessed April 10, 2002.
31. Health Care Guideline: Uncomplicated urinary tract infection
in women. Institute for Clinical Systems Improvement. May 2001. Available
at:
http://www.icsi.org/knowledge/detail.asp?catID=29&itemID=200. Accessed
March 29, 2002.
32. Gradwohl C, Foude K, Harrison V, Munger K, Zoschnick L. University
of Michigan Health System Guidelines for Clinical Care: Urinary tract
infection. Available at:
http://cme.med.umich.edu/pdf/guideline/UTI.pdf. Accessed March 29, 2002.
33. Gupta T, Hooton TM, Roberts PL, Stamm WE. Antimicrobial resistance
in uropathogens from patients utilizing self-initiated therapy for recurrent
UTI. Program and abstracts of the 41st Interscience Conference on Antimicrobial
Agents and Chemotherapy; December 16-19, 2001; Chicago, Illinois. Abstract
1352.
34. Barry HC, Hickner J, Ebell MH, Ettenhofer T. A randomized
controlled trial of telephone management of suspected urinary tract
infections in women. J Fam Pract. 2001;50:589-594. Abstract
35. Stamm W, Hooton T. Overview of acute cystitis. Available
at:
www.uptodate.com. Accessed March 10, 2002.
36. Avorn J, Monane M, Gurwitz JH, Glynn RJ, Choodnovskiy I,
Lipsitz LA. Reduction of bacteriuria and pyuria after ingestion of cranberry
juice. JAMA. 1994;271:751-754. Abstract
37. Zafriri D, Ofek I, Adar R, Pocino M, Sharon N. Inhibitory
activity of cranberry juice on adherence of type 1 and type P fimbriated
Escherichia coli to eucaryotic cells. Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 1989;33:92-98.
Abstract
38. Ofek I, Goldhar J, Zafriri D, Lis H, Adar R, Sharon N. Anti-Escherichia
coli adhesin activity of cranberry and blueberry juices. N Engl J Med.
1991;324:1599-1599.
39. Jepson RG, Mihaljevic L, Craig J. Cranberries for preventing
urinary tract infections. In: The Cochrane Library, Issue 3, 2000.
|