What is a urinary tract infection (UTI)?

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is defined as an infection that can occur in any part of the urinary system, which includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. UTIs are typically caused by bacteria entering the urinary tract, leading to symptoms such as frequent urination, pain during urination, and lower abdominal discomfort. Because UTIs can affect different areas of the urinary system, including the lower urinary tract ( bladder and urethra) and upper urinary tract ( kidneys and ureters), understanding the broad definition of UTIs is essential for diagnosis and treatment.

In contrast, a viral infection of the urinary system doesn't accurately describe common UTIs, as they are predominantly bacterial infections. A definition limited solely to inflammation of the bladder misses the possibility of infections affecting the entire urinary tract. Similarly, categorizing a UTI as a type of kidney disease fails to encompass the overall nature of a urinary tract infection, which is primarily an infectious process rather than a disease affecting kidney function specifically.