What is a common cause of urinary tract infections in women?

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Escherichia coli is the most prevalent cause of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women. This bacterium is a normal inhabitant of the gastrointestinal tract, specifically in the colon, but it can easily ascend into the urinary tract. The anatomy of women, with a shorter urethra compared to men, allows for this bacteria to reach the bladder more easily, making them more susceptible to UTIs.

The virulence factors of E. coli, such as fimbriae and adhesins, enable it to adhere to the uroepithelial cells, facilitating infection. Given that E. coli strains associated with UTIs, particularly uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC), have adapted mechanisms to thrive in the urinary environment, they account for approximately 80-90% of uncomplicated UTIs in women.

In contrast, while other pathogens like Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Staphylococcus aureus can cause infections, they are less commonly associated with typical community-acquired UTIs in women. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is more often related to nosocomial infections, Klebsiella pneumoniae can be a factor in complicated UTIs, and Staphylococcus aureus

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