Article Type
Article
Abstract
While urinary tract infections (UTIs) are predominantly caused by bacteria, this review highlights the significant and often overlooked role of viruses as etiological agents, particularly in immunocompromised populations. Viruses such as BK polyomavirus, adenovirus, cytomegalovirus (CMV), and herpes simplex virus (HSV) can directly infect the urothelium, causing conditions like hemorrhagic cystitis, dysuria, and sterile pyuria that closely mimic bacterial UTIs. Other viruses, including JC polyomavirus, varicella-zoster virus (VZV), and SARS-CoV-2, are associated with urinary tract dysfunction through different mechanisms, such as asymptomatic viruria, neurogenic pathways, or post-viral inflammation. In contrast, systemic viruses like filoviruses and hantaviruses cause acute kidney injury rather than localized UTIs. A key diagnostic challenge is that viral UTIs typically yield negative bacterial cultures, necessitating the use of PCR for accurate identification. This review synthesizes findings from case series and molecular studies to raise awareness, improve diagnostic accuracy in high-risk groups like transplant recipients, and guide appropriate treatment with antivirals or immunosuppression management.
Keywords
Viral urinary tract infection, Hemorrhagic cystitis, BK polyomavirus, Adenovirus, Cytomegalovirus, Immunocompromised patients
Recommended Citation
Lazim, Husam Hussein
(2025)
"Viral Etiologies of Urinary Tract Infections: A Comprehensive Review,"
Muthanna Medical Journal: Vol. 12:
Iss.
3, Article 7.
Available at:
https://muthmj.mu.edu.iq/journal/vol12/iss3/7
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
