What type of stone is commonly associated with urinary tract infections?

Struvite stones are commonly associated with urinary tract infections due to their formation in response to certain types of bacteria that produce urease. This enzyme hydrolyzes urea into ammonia and carbon dioxide, which increases the urine pH and leads to the precipitation of magnesium, ammonium, and phosphate. The elevated pH creates an environment conducive to the formation of struvite crystals. These stones often develop in the setting of infections caused by urease-producing organisms, such as Proteus mirabilis, which are commonly found in urinary tract infections. Therefore, struvite stones not only result from but also can contribute to recurrent UTIs, making them a significant concern in patients with a history of infections.