Abstract

Asymptomatic bacteriuria is common. Among healthy adults, bacteriuria increases with age, and occurs more frequently in women than men. Individuals with underlying genitourinary abnormalities, such as spinal cord injuries or with indwelling catheters also have a very high prevalence of bacteriuria. Bacteriuria per se in most population is benign. It has been shown to have adverse outcomes in pregnant women, in whom it is associated with pyelonephritis, low-birth weight and premature birth, and in patients undergoing traumatic genitourinary procedures associated with mucosal bleeding, in whom there is a high risk of bacteremia and sepsis. In other populations, clinical trials have consistently shown no benefits of screen for or treatment of asymptomatic bacteriuria. For some immunocompromised persons, such as those with neutropenia or post-renal transplant, further evaluation to describe the natural history and impact of bacteriuria is required.

• Keywords: Bacteriuria, Urinary tract infections