Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections in Kidney Transplant Recipients

Abstract

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the most common infectious complication after kidney transplantation (KT). Recurrent UTIs after KT can contribute to increased morbidity and may also be associated with graft loss and mortality. Though several risk factors like female gender, diabetes mellitus, presence of ureteric stents, native kidney disease with urological malformations and re-transplantation have been associated with recurrent UTIs after KT, vesicoureteric reflux appears to be a unique risk factor in this patient population. The emergence of drug-resistant pathogens as causative agents for post-transplant recurrent UTIs poses a significant therapeutic challenge. The use of pathogen-specific antibiotic therapy guided by culture and sensitivity data is warranted. The optimal duration of antimicrobial therapy for recurrent UTIs in renal transplant recipients remains uncertain.