Microbiology, 2021

CHAPTER 23
Urogenital System Infections
Figure 23.1 Many pathogens that cause infections of the urogenital system can be detected in urine samples (left).
The top sample in the culture (right) was prepared from the urine of a patient with a urinary tract infection. (credit b:
modification of work by Nathan Reading)
Chapter Outline
23.1 Anatomy and Normal Microbiota of the Urogenital Tract
23.2 Bacterial Infections of the Urinary System
23.3 Bacterial Infections of the Reproductive System
23.4 Viral Infections of the Reproductive System
23.5 Fungal Infections of the Reproductive System
23.6 Protozoan Infections of the Urogenital System
INTRODUCTION The urogenital system is a combination of the urinary tract and reproductive system.
Because both systems are open to the external environment, they are prone to infections. Some infections are
introduced from outside, whereas others result from imbalances in the microbiota of the urogenital tract.
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one the most common bacterial infections worldwide, affecting over 100
million people each year. During 2007 in the United States, doctor office visits for UTIs exceeded 10 million,
and an additional 2–3 million emergency department visits were attributed to UTIs. Sexually transmitted
infections (STIs) also primarily affect the urogenital system and are an important cause of patient morbidity.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that there are approximately 20 million new