Urinary tract infection and pyelonephritis

Urinary tract infection (URI) is a broad term that refers to a predominantl y bacterial infection which may occur anywhere from the kidney and perineph ric fascia to the urethral meatus. It may be a minor infection with little consequence, or a rapidly evolving infection with significant morbidity. In most cases, the clinician can easily recognize the patient with UTI and of fer safe, effective antibiotic coverage. With newer antibiotics, some patie nts who may have previously been treated as inpatients may now receive outp atient management with close follow-up. This article will review the latest literature on the organisms and antimicrobials used for all types of UTI. Specific high-risk populations will also be discussed and tailored evaluati on and treatment recommendations will be given.