UTI Causes
Submitted by Thiruvelan on Thu, 06/24/2010 - 08:26
Almost 80% of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in adults are caused by Escherichia coli (E. coli). E.coli bacteria’s are normally present in the colon.
Urinary tract infection causes
Normally, urine is sterile and usually free of bacteria, viruses, and fungi. But it does contain fluids, salts, and waste products.
An infection occurs when micro organisms, usually bacteria from the digestive tract, enters in to the opening of the urethra and begin to multiply.
- Almost 80% of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in adults are caused by Escherichia coli (E. coli). E.coli bacteria’s are normally present in the colon and may pass in to the urethral opening from the skin around the anus and genitals. Women are more susceptible to UTI because their urethral opening is near the anus and their urethra is shorter, so bacteria easily get in to the bladder.
- Other bacteria that may cause urinary tract infections include Staphylococcus saprophyticus (5 to 15% of cases), Chlamydia trachomatis, and Mycoplasma hominis. Chlamydia trachomatis or mycoplasma hominis can transmit to their partner during sexual intercourse, causing UTI.
- Sexual intercourse may trigger UTI in some women, for unknown reasons.
- Urinary catheterization (i.e., to drain urine from the bladder a small tube is insertion through urethra) can also induce UTI by introducing bacteria into the urinary tract.
- In infants, bacteria from soiled diapers can enter the urethra and cause UTI.
- E. coli may also enter the urethral opening when young girls do not wipe from front to back after a bowel movement.
Next: Urinary tract infection risk factors
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