Urinary and Genital Tract Infections

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are some of the most common bacterial infections, affecting 150 million people each year worldwide. Whole ranges of pathogens are responsible for UTI, but most commonly by Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, Enterococcus faecalis, and Staphylococcus saprophyticus. High rates of recurrence of this diseases coupled with increasing antimicrobial resistance observed among uropathogens are a great threat in increasing the economic burden of these infections. More than 30 different bacteria, viruses, and parasites are known to be transmitted through sexual contact. Some of the sexually transmitted infections (STI) can also be transmitted from mother-to-child during pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding. Eight pathogens are linked to the greatest incidence of STIs. Of these, four are currently curable: syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and trichomoniasis. The other four are incurable viral infections: hepatitis B, herpes simplex virus (HSV), HIV, and human papillomavirus (HPV).