Etiology, Risk Factors, and Treatment Outcomes of Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections

Background: Recurrent urinary tract infections (rUTIs) are a significant health concern, leading to increased morbidity and healthcare burden. Identifying the etiology, risk factors, and treatment outcomes is essential for effective management. Objective: To assess the etiology, risk factors, and treatment outcomes of patients with rUTIs. Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted at the Department of Medicine, Community Based Medical College, Bangladesh, from February 2021 to August 2021. A total of 73 patients diagnosed with rUTIs were enrolled using purposive sampling. Clinical and laboratory data were collected, and statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 23.0. Results: The study identified Escherichia coli as the predominant pathogen (61.6%) in recurrent urinary tract infections (rUTIs), with high antibiotic resistance to ampicillin (73.3%) and ciprofloxacin (60.0%). Diabetes mellitus (27.4%) and urinary tract abnormalities (17.8%) were significant risk factors. Non-antibiotic prophylaxis demonstrated a lower recurrence rate (21.4%) compared to antibiotic prophylaxis (39.1%). Conclusion: This study emphasizes the importance of risk factors like diabetes, urinary tract abnormalities, and behavioral habits in recurrent urinary tract infections (rUTIs). Escherichia coli is the predominant pathogen with significant antibiotic resistance. Non-antibiotic prophylaxis, such as probiotics, helps reduce recurrence, offering an alternative approach alongside conventional treatments.