Can an UTI be the cause of death?

Answer 1

Yes, but very rarely by itself. A UTI was the cause of death for Mariana Bridi de Costa in 2009. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mariana_bridi). A UTI may exacerbate an underlying condition, but it is rare for a healthy individual to secumb. In acute hospitals about a quarter of patients are catheterised, with an infection risk of about 1-2% per procedure. Patients with a catheter-associated UTI are three times more likely to die in hospital that patients without. However, it may be that patients who develop a UTI are more unwell intially anyway. To reduce your risk: drink 2 litres of water per day; don't smoke; reduce alcohol and caffiene; be nice to your friends and family; exercise.... you know what to do!