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Multidrug Resistant Urinary Tract Infection

A urinary tract infection is a frustrating and painful experience. As many people can undoubtedly attest, UTIs have become more virulent and resistant to infections, causing a second or even third treatment before the issue is resolved. This results in longer and often more painful infections. Fortunately, doctors have been developing treatment options geared at caring for drug-resistant infections.

  1. Drug Resistance

    • The term "drug resistance" simply refers to an infection that can no longer be treated or cured with medications that once worked. An infection is drug tolerant when higher or more frequent doses are required to fight an infection and drug resistant when usual treatment options yield fewer results or no results at all. Some urinary tract infections are multi-drug resistant, meaning there is a variety of drugs to which infection does not respond.

    Causes of Drug Resistance

    • Drug resistance may be caused by a variety of factors. In general, an infection becomes drug resistant after repeated exposure to a treatment or medication (or to a similar treatment). Microorganisms can evolve in a number of ways. Usually, the mechanism in a microorganism targeted by a drug evolves, or the organism produces an enzyme to break down the drug before it takes effect.

    Diagnosing Drug Restistant UTIs

    • Diagnosis depends on a number of factors. A doctor will usually attempt to classify a UTI as complicated or uncomplicated. Complicated infections are determined through a quantitative analysis or urine cultures. Drug-resistant UTIs are symptomatic and have complicating factors. Recurring infection, or an infection that is not sufficiently treated by the first series of drugs administered, are usually diagnosed as drug-resistant.

    Treatment

    • Cipro is a common first choice for many types of UTI. Treatments may include fluoroquinolones other than Cipro, such as Nitrofurantoin, which must be taken for at least four days. While fosfomycins take longer to treat a UTI, most strains are not resistant, making it a good choice for persistent infection. Amoxicilin and doxycycline may be used as well. While any combination of these drugs is acceptable by most doctors, finding the right one can take time.

    Home Care

    • Many different options exist for individuals wishing to avoid infections. For example, lowering intake of carbonated beverages, caffeine and alcohol can reduce the possibility of contracting a drug resistant UTI. Cranberry juice or pills and probiotics are good places to begin preventive care. For recurring infections, doctors may recommend a home care regimen that includes a supply of antibiotics to be taken at the first sign of infection.

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