A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an inflammation of the bladder due to infection with a microorganism (such as a bacteria or virus). It is also called Cystitis, and commonly known as "bladder infection."

UTIs are second only to respiratory infections in frequency.

The National Kidney Foundation estimates that 10 to 20 percent of women have had at least one episode of UTI, and 80 percent of this group has had it recurrently.

Although some cases of UTI are due to fungus or a virus, most are caused...