Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

When one goes to the hospital it is usually to get treated for something that may be affecting their everyday lives, but what would happen if one were to go into the hospital and pick up an infection as a result of being in the hospital? This does happen to patients who are in healthcare facilities. These illnesses or infections are called nosocomial infections. One of the most common nosocomial infections is the Urinary Tract Infection, which is also called a UTI. Of all the nosocomial infections, UTIs make up about forty percent of them and of these forty percent, about eight percent are caused by indwelling catheters (Nicolle). The urinary system is responsible for taking out excess fluids and wastes from the body. The organs that are a

part of the urinary system are: kidneys, ureters, bladder, and a urethra. When one has a urinary tract infection he or she may experience a variety of symptoms. Some of the symptoms that one may encounter include pain or discomfort during urination, fever, tiredness, the need to urinate multiple times, and pressure buildup in the lower abdomen. UTIs are not found in a specific age group and can be seen in both male and female. (MedlinePlus)
Urinary Tract Infections usually can be seen to develop after the placement of a urinary catheter.

A catheter is a long and narrow tube that is inserted through the urethra and into the urinary bladder. Under healthy conditions the inside of a urinary bladder is clean and sterile. Bacteria normally tend to hang around the urethra, but no harmful bacteria or any other type of microorganism that can be found in the bladder, and there is no way that they can enter the bladder. During a procedure when a catheter is inserted into a patient, bacteria can be picked up by the catheter and taken inside the bladder which can cause an infection. This type of contraction is the most common to occur in patients. Another way in which a UTI can occur is from a fungus, Candida. This mostly affects patients whose immune system is not in the best working condition, therefore putting them at risk. The continuous use of antibiotics has an effect on weakening the immune system which then harbors this fungus.

(Rizzo)
Urinary Tract Infections can be prevented in many ways.

Hospitals take various precautions to ensure that their patients do not develop a UTI. Hospitals have an infection control program that is put into effect by the Centers of Disease Control (CDC). This program puts into consideration the causes that lead to patients to develop infections and the CDC also keeps track of the changes in rates of infections within the hospital. For every 200 hospital beds, hospitals have employed an infection control practitioner who makes note of procedures and identifies other sources that may have the potential of causing an infection. The practitioner also enforces the importance of hand washing by employees and visitors. By practicing hand washing one can reduce the risk of spreading microorganisms to patients and everyone else in the health care facility. Aseptic or sterile technique should be practiced correctly as well. The use of sterile gowns, gloves, masks, and other protective barriers is encouraged. Other methods of prevention include the sterilization of ventilators, humidifiers, and any other instruments that may come into contact with the respiratory tract. To prevent infection in surgical wounds, dressing should be changed often and antibacterial ointments should be applied. Antibiotics should also be limited as this helps the immune system to properly function which reduces the growth of resistant bacteria.

(Rizzo)
If one does become diagnosed with a urinary tract infection, treatment should be received urgently. The first step to treatment is getting samples of blood, urine, sputum, other bodily fluids, and tissues that will aid in correctly identifying what caused the infection; whether it be a bacteria, fungus, or virus. If the microorganism had been identified as a bacteria, a sensitivity test will be given to determine what kind of antibiotics will be given to the patient to relieve them of the infection. Within the interval of waiting for the test results and when the medication is actually given to the patient, it is possible that antibiotics such as penicillin, cephalosporin, tetracycline, or erythromycin can be given to the patient. Due to the fact that people are given antibiotics more frequently, bacteria is becoming resistant to general antibiotics. If this is the case, then a stronger dose of the antibiotic such as Vancomycin and Imipenem must be given for it to have an impact on the bacteria. Even though these are stronger it is very much possible that bacteria in some individuals may be resistant to these as well. If a fungal infection were to be detected, then a patient must be treated with an antifungal rather than an antibiotic. Some common antifungals include: amphotericin B, nystatin, ketoconazole, itraconazole, and fluconazole. For viruses, one must take an antiviral like acyclovir, ganciclovir, foscarnet, and amantadine which will slow down production of the virus. (Rizzo)
With many factors to consider who is ultimately responsible for a patient contracting a UTI? Those held responsible should be hospital employees who do not practice proper hand washing. By hand washing one can prevent transferring of microorganism from person to person. Partial responsibility is also held by doctors who over administer medication to patients increasing their risk of developing a urinary tract infection by weakening the immune system and helping the bacteria to become resistant to the drug. Nurses who are in charge of dressing change are to be blamed as well because if surgical wounds are not cleaned properly there is a risk of developing an infection.