Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infection

Abstract

Uncomplicated urinary tract infection presenting as cystitis or pyelonephritis is common and a significant cause of ill health, although there are generally few sequelae. Unfortunately, the vast body of research now accumulating on predisposing factors and bacterial virulence has had little therapeutic consequence. Nevertheless, standardisation of diagnostic criteria and formulation of guidelines on treatment will go some way to limit the anarchy of excessive investigation and over-treatment which has hitherto contributed to rising antibiotic resistance rates. Truly effective alternative treatments and prophylactic vaccines have yet to be developed.