kidney and urinary tract disorders
Asymptomatic Bacteriuria
Introduction
Asymptomatic bacteriuria is a condition in which larger than normal numbers of bacteria are present in the urine but symptoms do not result. (See also Overview of Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) .) Asymptomatic bacteriuria is common in certain groups of people, such as those who have bladder catheters inserted for an extended period. Asymptomatic bacteriuria is not normally treated because eradicating the bacteria can be difficult and complications are usually rare. Also, giving antibiotics can alter the balance of bacteria in the body, sometimes allowing bacteria that are more difficult to eliminate to flourish. Most people who have excess bacteria in the urine and have no symptoms should not be treated. An exception is if the person has a condition that makes a urinary tract infection (UTI) particularly risky. Such conditions may include Pregnancy A Kidney Transplantation None Taking Suppression of the Immune System None Having a Overview of Immunodeficiency Disorders (for example, AIDS, certain cancers, or having a low white blood cell count) Young children with Urinary Reflux None Before certain invasive procedures that can cause bleeding in the urinary tract (for example, transurethral resection of the prostate) For example, a bladder infection ( Bladder Infection ) can seriously complicate pregnancy by ascending to the kidneys and causing a kidney infection ( Because asymptomatic bacteriuria is not usually treated, doctors do not usually do tests to identify it unless the person has a condition that warrants such treatment. Bacteriuria can be confirmed by a Urinalysis and Urine Culture , in which bacteria from a urine sample are grown in a laboratory to identify the numbers and type of bacteria. Newer molecular urine testing may sometimes reveal unusual pathogens for recurrent UTI and those that are resistant to treatment. When treatment is warranted, antibiotic therapy is given. 