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Pediatric Nephrology

Published in:

01-02-2016 | Original Article

Urinary tract infection in infants: the significance of low bacterial count

Authors: Svante Swerkersson, Ulf Jodal, Christina Åhrén, Rune Sixt, Eira Stokland, Sverker Hansson

Published in: Pediatric Nephrology | Issue 2/2016

Abstract

Background

In national guidelines for urinary tract infection (UTI) in children, different cut-off levels for defining bacteriuria are used. In this study, the relationship between bacterial count in infant UTI and inflammatory parameters, frequency of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR), kidney damage, and recurrent UTI was analyzed.

Methods

We conducted a population-based retrospective study of 430 infants age <1 year with symptomatic UTI diagnosed by suprapubic aspiration. Clinical and laboratory parameters, findings on voiding cystourethrography and ^99mtechnetium dimercapto-succinic acid scintigraphy, and frequency of recurrence were related to bacterial count at the index UTI.

Results

Eighty-three (19 %) infants had bacterial counts <100,000 colony-forming units (CFU)/ml and 347 (81 %) had ≥100,000 CFU/ml. There was similar frequency of VUR (19 % in both groups), kidney damage (17 and 23 %, p = 0.33) and recurrent UTI (6 and 12 %, p = 0.17) in the low and high bacterial group. Non-E. coli species were more prevalent (19 versus 6 %, p = 0.0006) and mean C-reactive protein was lower (50 vs. 79 mg/l, p <0.0001) in the low bacteria group.

Conclusions

UTI with low bacterial count is common and of importance since it may be associated with VUR and renal damage. Non-E. coli species and low inflammatory response were more prevalent in UTI with low bacterial count.

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Title: Urinary tract infection in infants: the significance of low bacterial count
Authors: Svante Swerkersson
Ulf Jodal
Christina Åhrén
Rune Sixt
Eira Stokland
Sverker Hansson
Publication date: 01-02-2016
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: Pediatric Nephrology / Issue 2/2016
Print ISSN: 0931-041X
Electronic ISSN: 1432-198X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00467-015-3199-y

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Urinary tract infection in infants: the significance of low bacterial count

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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