Risk factors and predisposing conditions for urinary tract infection

Abstract

Understanding individual and population-specific risk factors associated with recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) can help physicians tailor prophylactic strategies. Frequent intercourse, vulvovaginal atrophy, change of the local bacterial flora, history of UTIs during premenopause or in childhood, family history, and a nonsecretor blood type are substantiated risk factors for recurrent uncomplicated UTIs. This is a narrative review based on relevant literature according to the experience and expertise of the authors. Asymptomatic bacteriuria is generally benign; however, during pregnancy it is more common and is associated with an increased likelihood of symptomatic infection, which may harm the mother or fetus. Screening of pregnant women and appropriate treatment with antimicrobials must be balanced with the potential for adverse treatment-related outcomes; appropriate prophylaxis should be considered where possible. High-quality data are currently lacking on risks related to asymptomatic bacteriuria in pregnancy and further data in this hard-to-study population should be a primary concern for researchers. Incomplete voiding represents the primary risk factor for UTIs associated with conditions such as urinary incontinence and prolapse. Correcting the presence of residual urine remains the most effective prophylaxis in these populations. Bladder function alters throughout life; however, changes in function may be particularly profound in clinical populations at high risk of UTIs. Patients with neurogenic bladder will also likely have other evolving medical issues which increase the risk of UTIs, such as repeated catheterization and increasing residual urine volume. More aggressive antimicrobial prophylactic strategies may be appropriate in these patients. Again, the paucity of data on prophylaxis in these high-risk patients requires the attention of the research community.