Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): A UTI is an infection that occurs in any part of the urinary system, including the kidneys, ureters, bladder, or urethra. UTIs are commonly caused by the introduction and growth of uropathogens within the urinary tract.
Escherichia coli (E. coli): E. coli is the most common uropathogen, responsible for up to 90% of community-acquired UTIs. It is a Gram-negative bacterium that can adhere to the urinary tract epithelium and produce virulence factors to cause infection.
Antibiotic Resistance: Uropathogens, like other bacteria, can develop resistance to antibiotics, making them more difficult to treat and increasing the risk of recurrent or persistent UTIs. Antibiotic resistance is a growing concern in the management of urinary tract infections.