Abstract
Urinary tract infection is one of the most common infectious diseases in the United States. The term encompasses a wide range of infections, from mild bacteriuria to more severe, complicated upper tract infection. Bacterial virulence factors, host defense mechanisms, and various predisposing factors affect the course and severity of disease. Recent advances in treatment have focused on improved management strategies for specific types of infection (eg, recurrent cystitis in women, catheter-related infection). In some cases, the causative organisms are highly predictable and empirical therapy without pretreatment culture is recommended. Other infections (eg, pyelonephritis) require at least 10 days of antimicrobial therapy, and if complications are present, hospitalization may be warranted.