Urinary tract infections in women

Urinary tract infections are extremely common bacterial infections with a variable spectrum of clinical morbidity. Structural and functional limitations contribute to increased susceptibility in pediatric, elderly, and pregnant female patients. Host factors, both genetic and acquired, also seem to increase susceptibility or offer protection toward subsequent recurrence by altering bacterial adherence. Treatment is predicated by location of the infection, patient functional status, and comorbidities. Recurrence or persistence warrants a thorough urologic evaluation, and in selected patients there are well-tolerated and appropriate antibiotic prophylaxis strategies.