Possible causes and risk factors of urinary tract infection

UTI›Possible causes and risk factors of urinary tract infection

A UTI can occur at different parts of the urinary tract. Infection at different part of the urinary tract is differentiated by the location and cause of infection^1,2

UTI Type and Possible cause(s)

Cystitis (infection at the bladder)

Bacteria called Escherichia coli, which are commonly found in the gastrointestinal tract travel from the anus to the urethra
From sexual intercourse

Urethritis (infection at the urethra)

Bacteria from the gastrointestinal tract travel from the anus to the urethra
Due to sexually transmitted infections

Pyelonephritis (infection at the kidneys)

When bacteria in the bladder or urethra are not treated, they can travel to and infect the kidneys

Women (due to shorter urethra, making it easier for bacteria to reach the bladder)

People with diabetes (weaker immune system)

People with urinary tract blockage (eg, due to kidney stones)

People with a catheter (tube) placed in their bladder for a long time

References

1 – Mayo Clinic. Urinary tract infection. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/urinary-tract-infection/symptoms-causes/syc-20353447?p=1. Accessed 8 June 2021.
2 – National Kidney Foundation. Urinary tract infections. Available at: https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/uti. Accessed 8 June 2021.
3 – WebMD. Urinary tract infections. Available at: https://www.webmd.com/women/guide/your-guide-urinary-tract-infections. Accessed 8 June 2021.