Open AccessUrinary tract infections and their importance
Author(s) -
Martin Smieško,
Momir Mikov,
P Vera Gusman,
P Maja Djanic
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
zbornik matice srpske za prirodne nauke
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2406-0828
pISSN - 0352-4906
DOI - 10.2298/zmspn1936173s
Subject(s) - urinary system , medicine , urethra , antibiotics , ureter , urology , intensive care medicine , microbiology and biotechnology , biology
Urinary tract infections (UTI) are one of the most common infectious diseases, primarily caused by bacteria present in the intestinum, affecting the entire urinary tract or only a part of it. If the urinary bladder and urethra are affected then they are considered ?lower? urinary tract infections, and the affected kidneys and ureter are considered ?upper? urinary tract infections. There is a division into uncomplicated and complicated UTIs. Approximately 15% of all prescribed antibiotics in the United States are prescribed as therapy of UTIs. The UTI data from other countries are similar. The costs incurred in the treatment of these infections are significant - in the United States, the direct costs of UTI treatments are estimated at $ 1.6 billion per year.