Final answer:
Recurrent UTIs are characterized by repeated infections in the urinary tract, often made difficult to treat due to biofilms that protect bacteria from antibiotics. Treatments usually include antibiotics like fluoroquinolones and pain medications, but appropriate antibiotic choice is guided by urine cultures and susceptibility tests, particularly in cases of resistant bacterial strains.
Step-by-step explanation:
Criteria and Treatment of Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections
Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) are defined as the reoccurrence of infection in the urinary tract by the same strain of bacteria. Biofilms formed by bacteria in these recurrent infections may contribute to antibiotic resistance, making the treatment more challenging. For the treatment of bacterial cystitis, options include fluoroquinolones like ciprofloxacin, nitrofurantoin, cephalosporins, or a combination of trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole. Pain medications are also used to alleviate symptoms such as dysuria. In elderly patients, treatment is more complex due to a higher risk of complications like sepsis and kidney infections.
The difficulty in treating recurrent UTIs is often due to the protective capability of the biofilms, which can shield the bacteria from antibiotics. In cases where infections are resistant to a prescribed antibiotic, as seen in the clinical cases of Roberta and Marisa, doctors must rely on urine cultures and susceptibility tests to guide appropriate antibiotic therapy. It is crucial to treat with the correct antibiotics to avoid further resistance and complications.