Bacteria in the urine (bacteriuria, bacteriuria) do not always mean inflammation of the urinary system. This is because urine may contain a small amount of bacteria. Only when their number in the urine increases significantly, it is possible to suspect inflammation of the urinary system, even if no alarming symptoms appear. Find out what causes the presence of bacteria in the urine and how to treat a patient with bacteriuria.

Bacteria in urine (bacteriuria, bacteriuria)do not always meaninflammation of the urinary system . There are bacteria in part of the urethra that do not cause inflammation until they colonize the higher levels of the urinary tract. They are found in low levels during urinalysis and are not considered abnormal.

Only a significant increase in the amount of bacteria in a correctly collected first morning urine sample (after a thorough restroom of the genital organs and collecting urine from the middle stream) suggests an ongoing inflammatory process in the urinary tract. The presence of over 100,000 people is considered abnormal. microbial cells in 1 ml of urine ( although this is an arbitrary number and does not always indicate inflammatory changes in the urinary tract). This issignificant . If it is not accompanied by symptoms of urinary tract infection, it is referred to asasymptomatic bacteriuria . However, if a patient has disturbing symptoms from the urinary system (e.g. abdominal pain, burning sensation when urinating, constant urge to urinate), and no bacteria are found in the urine, it does not mean that he is he althy. There are bacteria that are difficult to detect with standard methods, e.g. corynebacteria ( Corynebacterium ).

Bacteria in urine (bacteriuria) - causes

Especially women are exposed to the multiplication of bacteria in the urinary tract due to the proximity of the external opening of the urethra to the vagina and anus. From these sites, bacteria can enter the bladder and further into other parts of the urinary system, multiply and cause inflammation.

The most common bacteria responsible for bacteriuria are: Escherichia coli, staphylococci and streptococci.

In both men and women, bacteriuria may be caused by the lack of habits limiting urinary tract infections - urinationurine after intercourse or swimming in water reservoirs that are used by many people.

Difficulties in the outflow of urine and retention of urine after passing urine, less frequent urination (this especially applies to older men, due to the risk of prostate enlargement) also contribute to the multiplication of microorganisms in the bladder, and further to bacteriuria.

Urinary tract infection may occur through blood-borne pathology, e.g. in the course of some infectious diseases. Blood-borne infections are also observed in some diseases of the urinary system, such as nephrolithiasis, renal papillary necrosis, and kidney cancer. Then the source of infection is the colon's own bacterial flora, and the first point of infection - the parenchyma of the kidneys. From there, the infection can spread to the lower parts of the urinary tract along with the urine stream.

Bacteriuria can also be caused by multiple bladder catheterization, permanent bladder catheter retention, or a cystotomy with a cystostomy catheter.

Bacteria in urine (bacteriuria) in pregnancy

During pregnancy, changes occur in the urinary tract that increase the risk of urinary tract infections. The urethra relaxes, and the enlarging uterus puts pressure on the ureters (making it difficult for urine to drain from the kidneys) and the bladder. As a result, urine residues can remain in the bladder, becoming a breeding ground for bacteria.

Important

Bacteriuria in pregnancy - serious complications

Untreated bacteriuria in pregnant women is very dangerous and can lead to pyelonephritis, and even to premature birth or the birth of a child with a low birth weight.

Bacteria in urine (bacteriuria) - treatment

Asymptomatic bacteriuria does not require treatment, except in pregnant women (due to complications). Only patients who have bacteriuria with symptoms of urinary tract infection are treated. Antibiotics are used to treat bacteriuria.

Bibliography:

Kwias Z.,Urinary tract infections , "Doctor's Guide" 2002, No. 3.

Category:

Urology and Nephrology