When we talk about communicable diseases, we don't often think that cystitis is one of the most widespread. Cystitis affects both sexes, young and old alike, and can lead to complications that can cause irreparable damage to the urinary tract. The purpose of this article is to discuss the disease of cystitis and relate specific virulence factors of Escherichia coli to the prevalence and symptoms of cystitis. This will be accomplished by defining the disease, its etiology and the causative agent. The mode of transmission and risk factors will also be discussed, pathogenesis, signs and symptoms will be explained. Finally, dietary and nutritional implications as well as treatment and prognosis will conclude this article. Disease Definition Cystitis, more commonly known as urinary tract infection (UTI) or bacteriuria, is a chronic infectious disease defined as inflammation of the urinary tract, including the bladder and urinary tissue. Signs and symptoms develop due to the worsening of the epithelial tissue that lines the bladder and urinary tract, affected by the bacteria that infect them. The prevalence is higher in women than men, but when men develop a UTI, they are at greater risk of complications such as pyelonephritis or sepsis (Lehne 2013). Bauman (2013) states that 32% of women will suffer from cystitis in their lifetime. Lehne (2013) states that up to 35% of sexually active women will develop a urinary tract infection each year and that up to 50% of women living in nursing homes suffer from cystitis at some point.EtiologyA tract infection urinary tract in humans is caused by a pathogen such as Escherichia coli which normally resides in our intestinal tract is inadvertently transferred to the urethra. McCance (20...... middle of article...... Treatment of infectious diseases. 5 Wall Street Bulington, MA 01803: Jones and Bartlett Learning 5 Wall Street Bulington, MA 01803. Retrieved from http:/ /books .google.ca/books?id=xXPL2rfvfL8C&lpg=PR1&pg=PR2#v=onepage&q&f= falseDi Martino, P., Agniel, R., David, K., Templer, C., Gaillard, J., Denys, P ., & Botto, H. (2006). -27. Retrieved from http://ezproxy.nic.bc.ca:2048/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.nic.bc.ca:2048/login.aspx?direct. =true&db=..