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Urinary Tract Infection
Urinary Tract Infections (UTI) are difficult to diagnose. They often include vague symptoms and infections. Many individuals suffer from recurrent and chronic UTI infections and a misdiagnosis can lead to serious consequences. The traditional testing method, urine culture, misses up to 75% of all UTI-positive patients. Additionally, antibiotic resistance has made treatment of UTIs a much greater challenge. This is why it is crucial to accurately identify the infecting pathogens and exclude antibiotic resistance as quickly as possible.
The next generation of UTI testing
Molecular Diagnostics- Real-Time PCR Testing
AIM’s Real-Time PCR (polymerase chain reaction) for UTI pathogen identification, quantification and detection of antibiotic resistance can help clinicians properly and quickly get patients on the right treatment the first time.
AIM Labs can rapidly detect bacterial and fungal targets, eliminating the need for costly, inaccurate or time-consuming follow up testing.
PCR is a molecular technique used at AIM’s state-of-the-art laboratories and can be used to precisely analyze the genetic material of pathogens. Additionally, PCR is three to five times more sensitive than conventional culture. AIM’s UTI solution is one of the fastest available, reporting both pathogen identification and antibiotic resistance testing results within 12 to 24 hours of receiving the patient’s specimen.
Did You Know?
- UTIs are among the most prevalent community- acquired and hospital-acquired infections, affecting almost 50% of the population at least once in their lifetime.
- Up to 60% of women have at least one symptomatic UTI during their lifetime.
- Women get UTIs up to 30 times more often than men.
MOLECULAR IS BETTER
URINE CULTURE VS. MOLECULAR DIAGNOSIS
URINE CULTURE
- Urine culture misses up to 2/3 of all UTI-positive patients and detects organisms in only 4% of all cases to diagnose prostatitis.
- It can take an average of 3 to 5 days for results of a urine culture (fungi can take up to 20 days for results).
- Antibiotics can mask positive results
MOLECULAR DIAGNOSIS
- Identifies pathogens NOT detectable by culture. Biochemical analysis within hours.
- Detects antibiotic resistance genes unaffected by concurrent antibiotic use.
- Helps stem the rise of multi-drug resistant pathogens.
What are the common symptoms of a UTI?
UTIs can present with different symptoms for different people. Some of the more common symptoms that may indicate you may have a UTI include
- A strong and frequent urge to urinate
- A burning sensation when urinating
- Strong smelling urine
- Blood in the urine
- Cloudy urine
- Pain in the lower abdomen
What is the common cause of a UTI?
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- The most frequent cause of a UTI is the bacteria Escherichia coli (E. coli), which is typically found in the colon. However, sometimes other bacteria are responsible.
- UTIs can also be caused by an infection in the urethra. This can occur when GI bacteria spread from the anus to the urethra.
What are risk factors for developing a UTI?
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- Women are at higher risk for developing a UTI. Risk factors for women include:
- Age: The risk of UTIs increase with age
- Incomplete bladder emptying
- Sexual activity
- Certain forms of contraceptives such as diaphragms and spermicidal agents
- Menopause: A decline in estrogen causes changes in the urinary tract
- Other risk factors not specific to women include:
- Abnormalities in the urinary tract: Such as kidney stones or an enlarged prostate
- Immunosuppression
- Diabetes
- Catheter use
- Recent urinary surgery
- Women are at higher risk for developing a UTI. Risk factors for women include:
What is the most common treatment for a UTI?
UTIs are mainly treated with antibiotics in addition to drinking plenty of liquids, especially water
How can you prevent a UTI?
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- Drink plenty of water and other liquids
- Cranberry juice and blueberry juices are believed to help prevent infection
- Intake of probiotics such as yogurt
- Regular emptying of the bladder, especially following intercourse
- Ensure proper personal hygiene
- Drink plenty of water and other liquids
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