Urinary Tract Infections in Kidney Transplant Patients

Patients with kidney transplantation have an increased risk of urinary tract infections due to risk factors such as immunosuppression and possible functional or anatomical urinary alterations. The first step in preventing urinary tract infections is to treat any infection if present before transplantation. Secondly, perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis should be used on a short-prescription basis, and urinary catheters require prompt removal. Asymptomatic bacteriuria should not be treated beyond the second month after the transplant. Infections in patients with kidney transplantation require diagnostic workup, including urine dipstick, urine microscopy, and urine culture. Blood cultures should be obtained in those with symptoms suggestive of an underlying risk factor. Ultrasound or other complementary studies may be indicated in case of recurrent UTIs to exclude potentially correctable structural or functional abnormalities in the urinary tract. Antibiotics for treatment are selected according to the resistance rates of the geographical area and previous cultures. One of the most important points for preventing infections is removing urinary catheters or other invasive devices as soon as possible.