Polymicrobial Urinary Tract Infection

An infection caused by several types of microorganisms is a polymicrobial infection. Polymicrobial urinary tract infections (UTIs) are more common in men, individuals with indwelling catheters or people with structure anomalies of the bladder. The National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) reports that polymicrobial infections account for one in three UTI infections in the elderly.

Symptoms

• The symptoms of polymicrobial UTIs are wide ranging and depend on the type of organisms causing the problems. A few things you might look for include painful urination, fever, chills, tenderness and frequent need to use the bathroom or an inability to make it there (incontinence). You might have a general feeling of malaise and fatigue.

Risk Factors

• There are a number of conditions that might put you at risk for polymicrobial UTIs, such as a system impaired by another illness (AIDS), incomplete bladder emptying, inflamed prostate, estrogen deficiency, catheters and poor hygiene.

Drug Therapy

• Initially, preculture treatment will begin with broad-spectrum antibiotics. One popular choice is Augmentin. A culture of any discharge and urine will be necessary before type-specific antibiotic treatment can start.

Homeopathic Treatments

• Most homeopathists will recommend cranberry juice to treat and prevent urinary problems such as polymicrobial UTIs. You might consider a dietary supplement of 100mg magnesium or 1,000mg of calcium three to four times daily as preventative maintenance. It's always a good idea to check with your doctor before starting any new dietary supplements.

Probiotics

• Probiotics, known as friendly bacteria, are part of normal flora in the colon and vagina. An alternative course of treatment for resistant polymicrobial UTIs might include introducing probiotics orally or vaginally. Friendly bacteria kill invading species and help maintain a balance for your body. An infection can throw that balance out of control. Treatment with probiotics will restore it.

Prevention/Solution

• Prevention is always the best treatment. Repeated polymicrobial UTIs can have broad implications on the system, such as scaring of the kidneys and bladder. A sterile environment during the insertion of a straight or indwelling catheter plus proper hygiene training will decrease occurrences. If you rely on strait catheters, make sure you always use new equipment. Do not reuse catheter tubing.