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A systematic search of the medical literature was performed on
November 2006. The search included relevant articles from PubMed,
Ovid, and guidelines from the Infectious Diseases Society of America.
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Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most commonly
occurring bacterial infections, accounting for millions of patient
visits annually.1–3 Approximately one in three
females will have had a UTI by their mid-twenties. In the older adults,
infection rates in men and women are similar.
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A UTI is defined as the presence of microorganisms in the urinary
tract that cannot be accounted for by contamination. UTIs are classified
by several methods. Commonly, describing them by anatomic site or
as uncomplicated or complicated is most typical. The main classification
method used in this chapter will be the categorization of UTIs as
uncomplicated or complicated. Tables 44-1, 44-2, and 44-3 present summary
lists on clinical presentation, diagnostic criteria, and empiric
therapy.
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