Urinary tract infections in women

Factors influencing urinary tract infections depend on a balance between bacterial virulence (bacterial adhesion to tissues, hemolysin, and aerobactin) and on the host's defenses (local immunoglobulin production). Predisposing factors for the development of urinary tract infections in women are physiologic changes with aging, use of catheters, and genitourinary operations. Therapy for uncomplicated urinary tract infections usually consists of a single dose of medication for 3 to 7 days, although the 1-day regimen was proved to be quite effective. Treatment of complicated urinary tract infections is by intravenous medications. New drugs for treatment of urinary tract infections are also reviewed.