Cloacae Urinary Tract Infection

Urinary tract infections (also called UTIs or bladder infections) are inflammations of the urinary system, caused by bacteria colonizing the urinary tract. The bacteria are normally those already present on the skin or in the intestinal tract, such as E. coli or staph. One type of UTI-causing bacteria is called Enterobacter cloacae.

Urinary System

• The urinary system consists of the kidneys, bladder and urethra. Each has its own function in helping the body remove waste products from the circulating blood and excreting them from the body. The kidneys begin the process by filtering urea, excess water and other waste products from the blood while allowing proteins, nutrients and other essential items to remain. The waste products are used to make urine and then the kidneys send it to the bladder. The bladder stores the urine until it is full and then releases it into the urethra for excretion.

Enterobacter Cloacae

• Enterobacter cloacae are a type of bacteria that can cause any number of infections, including respiratory infections, ophthalmic infections and urinary tract infections. It is considered an opportunistic pathogen because it targets individuals whose immune system is already weakened. You are more likely to develop an Enterobacter cloacae urinary tract infection when you are hospitalized or already sick. It is normally found in the feces of humans and can be transferred into the urinary system by wiping back to front after a bowel movement. Another scenario involves not washing your hands after using the restroom and then touching other body parts.

Symptoms

• As the Enterbacter cloacae colonize the urinary system, reproducing and spreading from structure to structure, it will start to show signs. You may suddenly have the urge to urinate more often than normal. You may also notice that the urine you express is suddenly darker, cloudy or even bloody. Some urinary tract infection sufferers may even experience a burning sensation while urinating. Having cramps or burning in your lower back and pelvis can also indicate a urinary tract infection caused by Enterbacter cloacae.

Diagnosis

• To diagnose an Enterbacter cloacae urinary tract infection, your health-care provider must first analyze your urine. If bacteria are found in your urine, it indicates infection because urine is normally sterile. To further identify the urinary tract infection, the bacteria in your urine will be cultivated in a lab setting. Once it has grown, it can be identified and even tested for sensitivity to certain medications. This can be extremely helpful if you are suffering from recurring urinary tract infections and cannot seem to find a medication that cures the infection.

Treatment

• Over-the-counter drugs and homeopathic methods do not cure urinary tract infections. They only treat the symptoms while your immune system kills the bacteria. Since Enterbacter cloacae targets individuals with already-compromised immune systems, it is not recommended to use home remedies to treat these types of urinary tract infections. Your health-care provider will prescribe an antibiotic prescription based on the testing of the strain of Enterbacter cloacae found during the urine culture. Always take your medication as prescribed. You should begin to feel better shortly, but continue to take your medication until it is gone. This will prevent you from developing recurring urinary tract infections.