[Diagnosis, significance and treatment of urinary tract infections]

Although for the diagnosis of urinary tract infection (UTI) quantitative urine bacteriology is generally recommended, certain drawbacks of the method must be taken into consideration. Indications for radiological examinations in UTI are mentioned. The long-term prognosis of UTI is excellent provided the urinary tract is functionally and morphologically intact, even though recurrences may be frequent. In the presence of a pathological urinary tract UTI may lead to destruction of renal parenchyma. Uncomplicated UTI may be treated with suitable antibacterial drugs either conventionally over a one-week course or by single-dose therapy. The prevention of recurrences, which usually are due to reinfection, may be a problem. The treatment of UTI in the presence of special circumstances such as pathological urinary tract, indwelling catheter, or renal insufficiency is briefly discussed.