Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): A review on currently available therapeutic choices for UTIs

Abstract

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are commonly occurring infections that have become a major public health problem worldwide. They can be caused by both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, as well as by some species of fungi. However, Gram-negative bacteria, especially, Escherichia coli (UPEC), and Klebsiella pneumonia are primarily responsible for UTIs. Infections initiate in the urinary tract and may eventually culminate in severe complications such as kidney damage, bacteremia, or even death. Age, gender, anatomy, and ethnicity are the main risk factors for UTIs. Women and elderly people are most susceptible to UTIs due to their anatomical features and age. Currently, therapeutic options for managing UTIs include both antibiotic and non antibiotic therapy. Though antibiotics represent first-line treatment choices for UTIs, the emergence of multidrug-resistant bacterial strains often results in treatment failure and recurrent infections. These factors further add to patients’ sufferings and the economic burden of the disease. Research is currently underway to develop better diagnostic tools, drug therapies, and efficient delivery systems to tackle antimicrobial resistance. This review aims to provide an overview of UTIs and currently available therapeutic options, particularly focusing on challenges associated with the development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and multi-drug resistance (MDR) in UTI therapy.