The term urinary tract infection, also known as urinary tract infection among the general public, refers to a group of clinical conditions caused by bacteria in the urinary tract. Urinary tract infections are the most common type of bacterial infection in adults. They can occur in both sexes and all age groups. They are much more common in women than in men throughout childhood and adulthood and increase with age. Approximately 25-35% of women between the ages of 20 and 40 are reported to have had a urinary tract infection.

Burning during urination and frequent urination are the main complaints. If the kidneys are also affected, fever may accompany these symptoms. Clinically, urinary tract infections are divided into five types.

1. Simple cystitis

Almost always seen in women, it is characterized by burning during urination and frequent urination without fever. It responds to short-term antibiotic treatment without the need for a urine culture to identify the causative agent.

2. Acute pyelonephritis

This is a urinary tract infection that also involves the kidneys. It is accompanied by burning during urination and frequent urination, as well as fever and flank pain corresponding to the location of the kidneys. If the patient's infection is severe, a urine sample should be taken for culture, and antibiotic treatment covering all bacteria that could cause this problem should be started immediately. Once the causative agent and antibiotic sensitivity are determined from the urine culture, treatment targeting the specific agent is initiated. The treatment duration should be 10-14 days.

3. Complicated urinary tract infection

There is a complicating factor (such as stones or prostate enlargement in men) that facilitates the development of infection in the urinary tract. The clinical picture can vary from simple cystitis to acute pyelonephritis. In other words, there may only be burning during urination and frequent urination, or fever may also be added to this picture. The primary treatment is to eliminate the underlying complicating factor. However, antibiotic treatment must also be initiated to treat the infection.

4. Asymptomatic bacteriuria

This is the presence of bacteria in the urine despite the patient having no symptoms. Two groups of patients in this situation must be treated: pregnant women and those undergoing urinary tract surgery. Asymptomatic bacteriuria in pregnant women can lead to premature birth. In patients undergoing urinary tract procedures, the urine must be sterile. If surgery is performed without ensuring this, there is a risk of bacteria in the urinary tract entering the bloodstream and causing a systemic infection.

5. Recurrent urinary tract infection

This refers to the patient experiencing more than two episodes of urinary tract infection within a year despite treatment. If there is an underlying cause, this must be corrected first. If this cannot be determined, the patient should be treated with appropriate antibiotics at the appropriate dose and duration.

Urinary tract infections are one of the most common infections associated with inappropriate urinary tract infections, and patients should not use antibiotics on their own. They must consult an Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology specialist when they experience symptoms of a urinary tract infection.