Current aspects in the diagnosis and approach to urinary tract infection

The objective of this review article is to present the latest guidelines on the management of urinary tract infection (UTI) highlighting that there is a current trend towards less aggressive image studies and more restrictive use of chemoprophylaxis. The unnecessary exposure to ionizing radiation and the invasive nature of some procedures have raised concerns. Another point discussed is the causal relationship of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) and renal scarring, which have been the focus of several studies. The risk of infection has also been the subject of discussion. With the improvement of prenatal ultrasound, the top-down approach to investigate febrile UTI has been suggested. Finally, the association between VUR and lower urinary tract dysfunction (LTUD) and UTI is also assessed.