Diseases & Conditions

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection affecting any part of the urinary system — the kidneys, ureters, bladder, or urethra. The vast majority of UTIs involve the bladder (cystitis) and urethra (urethritis), causing uncomfortable but uncomplicated lower urinary tract symptoms. When infection spreads to the kidneys (pyelonephritis), it becomes a more serious upper UTI requiring prompt treatment. UTIs are among the most common bacterial infections worldwide and are particularly common in women — more than half of all women will experience at least one UTI in their lifetime. In Nigeria, UTIs are frequently encountered in outpatient and emergency settings.