Urinary tract infection in renal transplant recipient: A clinical comprehensive review

Since the initial times of renal transplantation in the 1950s, understanding various aspects influencing graft survival and outcome have been progressively improving. However, infections especially urinary tract infections (UTIs), are an important factor leading to an increase in morbidity and graft failure. UTI degrades the health-related quality of life and can potentially impair graft function. UTI occurs in 25% of kidney transplant recipients within one year of transplant and accounts for 45% of infectious complications. Asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB), uncomplicated UTI, and complicated UTI comprise 44%, 32%, and 24% of cases, respectively. This article reviews important aspects regarding posttransplant UTI, including definition, incidence, predisposing factors, recommendations, ASB, and controversies in management. UTI after renal transplantation is still an under-estimated aspect, despite its degrading effects on allograft and recipient health.