Which organism is commonly tested for in patients with a suspected urinary tract infection?

Escherichia coli is the most commonly identified organism in cases of urinary tract infections (UTIs). This bacterium is part of the normal flora of the intestinal tract but can cause infections when it translocates to the urinary system. E. coli accounts for the majority of uncomplicated UTIs, making it a primary target for testing when a UTI is suspected.

In clinical practice, a urine culture is often performed to identify the presence of E. coli and determine appropriate antibiotic treatment. The high prevalence of E. coli in urinary infections is well-documented, which is why it is used as a key indicator when diagnosing UTIs. Other organisms, while they can also contribute to urinary infections, are less common, making E. coli the most crucial organism for testing in these cases.