Urinary tract infection remains one of the most common reasons for an individual seeking medical advice. Although the associated morbidity varies widely in adults, such infections are less common but may constitute severe, life-threatening illness in children and in the elderly. Diagnostic tests and treatment have been rationalized in recent years but many practising doctors still have difficulty in appreciating the patho-physiological principles involved. Particular difficulty is often experienced when treating patients with recurrent urinary tract infections, covert bacteriuria, vesico-ureteric reflux, elderly patients and those with indwelling catheters. These topics are fully discussed in this volume. Each chapter has been written by a recognized expert and practical aspects of patient management have been emphasized. The information presented in this volume should prove of interest not only to nephrologists but to all practising clinicians. VII ABOUT THE EDITOR Professor Graeme R. D. Catto is Professor in Medicine and Thera- peutics at the University of Aberdeen and Honorary Consultant Phy- sician/Nephrologist to the Grampian Health Board. His current interest in transplant immunology was stimulated as a Harkness Fellow at Harvard Medical School and the Peter Bent Brighton Hos- pital, Boston, USA. He is a member of many medical societies includ- ing the Association of Physicians of Great Britain and Ireland, the Renal Association and the Transplantation Society. He has published widely on transplant and reproductive immunology, calcium metab- olism and general nephrology.