Risk Factors in Urinary Tract Infection

Abstract

Background: There are many intrinsic and extrinsic factors risk factors which are the leading causes of urinary tract infection. To investigate the relationship of various risk factors to urinary tract infection a study was conducted on one hundred patients.

Materials and Methods: Detailed history and physical examination was carried out in each patient. Fifty-seven were male while female patients were 43. The age range was 1-70 years.

Results: In majority of patients (15%) urolithiasis was associated with urinary tract infection. Benign prostrate hypertrophy was the second (10%) leading risk factor causing urinary tract infection. Catheterization and pregnancy almost equally contributed (4% and 5%) and acted as risk factor. Minor contribution was made by risk factors like tumor in kidney, non-functional kidney, kinking of uterus, kidney transplant, myxoedema, diabetes, etc. In almost sixty percent cases the risk factor cannot be identified and no visible cause was present that resulted in the occurrence of urinary tract infection.

Conclusion: The chances of urinary tract infection increases in the presence of risk factors. The hot weather in the study area and dietary habits may also contribute to urinary tract infection in these cases.