Bacterial cystitis in women.
BACKGROUND
A woman presenting with symptoms suggestive of bacterial cystitis is a frequent occurrence in the general practice setting. One in three women develop a urinary tract infection (UTI) during their lifetime (compared to 1 in 20 men).


OBJECTIVE
In this article we provide an outline of the aetiology, pathogenesis and treatment of bacterial cystitis in the primary care setting. We suggest measures that may assist before urological referral and work through a common clinical scenario.


CONCLUSIONS
Bacterial cystitis in unlikely if the urine is both nitrite and leuco-esterase negative. Empirical antibiotics are justified if symptoms are present with positive urinary dipstick, but microscopy, culture and sensitivity of urine is warranted to ensure appropriate empirical therapy and identification of the causative organism. Risk factors for UTI in women include sexual intercourse, use of contraceptive diaphragms and, in postmenopausal women, mechanical and/or physiologic factors that affect bladder emptying such as cystocoele or atrophic vaginitis. Discussion regarding risk factors and UTI prevention is important. Women with recurrent UTIs (defined as three or more episodes in 12 months or two or more episodes in 6 months) should be screened for an underlying urinary tract abnormality (ultrasound) and may benefit from prophylactic therapy. Patients with complex or recurrent UTIs, persistent haematuria, persistent asymptomatic bacteriuria, or urinary tract abnormalities on imaging may benefit from referral to a urologist.
Chung
Amanda
A
Department of Urology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, New South Wales, Australia. amandashujun.chung@gmail.com
Arianayagam
Mohan
M
Rashid
Prem
P
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology*; D003556:Cystitis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000382:microbiology*; D003558:Cystoscopy / Q000379:methods; D004926:Escherichia coli / Q000302:isolation & purification; D005194:Family Practice / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006090:Gram-Negative Bacteria / Q000302:isolation & purification; D006094:Gram-Positive Bacteria / Q000302:isolation & purification; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009517:New South Wales; D012008:Recurrence; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D016482:Urinalysis; D055815:Young Adult
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents