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Escherichia Coli Related Cystitis Prevalence and Pathogenicity

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When one speaks of transmittable diseases one does not often think that cystitis is one of the most prevalent. Cystitis effects both genders, the young, the old and can lead to complications that can do irreparable damage to the urinary tract. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the disease of cystitis and relate the specific virulence factors of Escherichia coli to the prevalence and symptoms of cystitis. This will be accomplished by defining the disease, its etiology and the causative agent. The mode of transmission and risk factors will be discussed as well, the pathogenesis, signs and symptoms will be explained. Finally dietary and nutritional implication along with treatment and prognosis will conclude this paper.
Definition of …show more content…

Lehne (2013) continues by stating that in nosocomial caused cystitis E. coli makes up only 50 percent of UTI’s. In hospital settings more common gram negative causative agents of cystitis are Pseudomonas, Proteus or Klebsiella pneumoniae. There is also a gram positive agent named Staphylococcus saprophyticus that makes up 10 to 15 percent of nosocomial UTI’s.
Mode of Transmission
The most common mode of transmission of E. coli is through sexual activity followed by catheterization and poor post elimination hygiene. Guay (2008) states that E. coli is most often transmitted when colonized vaginal or peri-urethral area is introduced into the urinary tract through the mechanical motion of penetrative vaginal intercourse. Other modes of transmission as stated catheter insertion can impair the body’s natural immune defence systems by increasing exposure to pathogen by reducing the bladders ability to fully void and providing a route of into the bladder for the pathogen to follow.
Risk Factors
McCance (2010) and Lehne (2013) state in their texts that the greatest risk factors for bacteraemia is to be a sexually active female. Other risk factors include being a pregnant females, females with diabetes, genetically predisposed to or have an indwelling catheter for a period greater than 90 days. Madigan and Neff (2003) state that infections due to indwelling catheters make up 40% of nosocomial infections

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