Urinary tract infections (UTI) are one of the most common infectious
diseases, primarily caused by bacteria present in the intestinum, affecting
the entire urinary tract or only a part of it. If the urinary bladder and
urethra are affected then they are considered ?lower? urinary tract
infections, and the affected kidneys and ureter are considered ?upper?
urinary tract infections. There is a division into uncomplicated and
complicated UTIs. Approximately 15% of all prescribed antibiotics in the
United States are prescribed as therapy of UTIs. The UTI data from other
countries are similar. The costs incurred in the treatment of these
infections are significant - in the United States, the direct costs of UTI
treatments are estimated at $ 1.6 billion per year.