Contents

**Preface XI**


Preface

The urogenital tract (UGT)—which is a combination of urinary tract and genital tract—as well as other tracts in the human body have their own characteristics and properties. There are differences in the UGTs of men and women. In men, the UGT is normally sterile and involves no microbial normal flora. In contrast, the vaginal section of the UGT in women possesses its own microbial normal flora, including *Lactobacillus* spp., which play an impor‐ tant role in maintaining the natural balance of the microbial populations for inhibiting pathogen colonization in the vagina. Besides, the anatomical position of the anus and the

Therefore, the incidence and prevalence of UGTIs in women is much more than it is in men with a healthy immune system and no predisposing factors. In accordance with several differ‐ ent investigations we now know that urinary tract infections (UTIs) rank second among other infectious diseases and this makes UTIs a huge global concern in public healthcare systems. In this delicate situation, it is important to classify the risk factors of UGTIs comprising gen‐

As mentioned, women more than men may suffer from UTIs or UGTIs. Moreover, the recur‐ rent UGTIs are commonly seen among women populations. Young adults, adults, and in

The type of microbial agents, including Gram –ive bacteria, Gram +ive bacteria, and fungal agents, may cause different types of UGTIs (asymptomatic and symptomatic, complicated and uncomplicated, acute and chronic, lower part and/or upper part) depending on their genomic treasures and the strength of the human host. For example, *Escherichia coli* as the pioneer bacterial agent for UGTIs involves a wide range of strains such as pathotypes and non-pathotypes (commensal strains) with different virulence genes. Furthermore, Gram +ive bacteria such as Enterococci or fungal agents like *Candida albicans* have different types of virulence factors, which may cause a diversity of UGTIs. The virulence potential of microbi‐ al agents determines the type of UGTIs and activates different types of immune system cells,

Environmental factors such as social behavior, personal hygiene, catheterization, and longterm hospitalization are considerable parameters that may lead to the occurrence of UGTIs with different symptoms and syndromes. Nosocomial UGTIs occur and develop with bio‐ film formation. The progression of microbial biofilms leads to the occurrence of malignant

Genetics has a key role in the occurrence of UGTIs in patients, including men, women, and even children. Genetic predisposing factors like diabetes, blood group, and immune system

and fatal UGITs as a result of bacteremia and sepsis in patients with UGTIs.

der, age, microbial agents, environmental factors, genetics, and immunodeficiency.

UGT facilitates the occurrence of UGT infections (UGTIs) in women.

particular sexually active women are predisposed to UGTIs.

signaling pathways, and responses.
