Role of Automated Urine Flow Cytometry for the Diagnosis of Urinary Tract Infection in Children

Excerpt

Febrile urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common in children between 2 mo to 2 y of age with incidence of 5%. In neonates, signs and symptoms are non- specific and may present as features of sepsis. Infants below 2 mo of age have similar or even higher incidence of febrile UTI than older children and it occurs predominantly in males [1]. Febrile UTI in younger children can lead to renal scarring, hypertension and chronic kidney disease later in childhood. The most common pathogen causing UTI in all age groups is Escherichia coli (65 to 75%). Other organisms can be Klebsiella pneumoniae (23%), Proteus mirabilis (7%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus saprophyticus (1 to 4%) [2]. Early diagnosis of UTI is of utmost importance and prompt treatment with antibiotic is required. A midstream clean catch urine sample is required in toilet-trained and older children. Suprapubic aspiration is required in infants or children who cannot be catheterized or in whom uncontaminated midstream urine sample collection is not possible. …