Association between pyuria and uropathogen in suspected urinary tract infection

Abstract

Background: Urinary tract infections (UTI) are one of the most common infectious diseases diagnosed in outpatients as well as in hospitalized patients, and can lead to significant mortality. Several rapid methods have been developed in diagnosing urinary tract infections such as microscopic examination, chemical tests, and automated systems. Thus, in this study we aimed at determining pyuria in suspected UTI patients and their association with uropathogen. Materials and Methods: A total of 379 clean catch mid-stream urine samples were collected in sterile containers. Manual microscopy is used to determine pyuria. All the urine samples inoculated on routine bacteriological media. Results: Out of 379 urine samples, 181 yielded significant bacterial growth. Patients belonged to age group 21-30 were more commonly had significant growth followed by 11-20 years age group. Escherichia coli was the most common organism isolated. Majority of urine specimens which showed plenty of pus cells per high power field yielded significant growth. Escherichia coli was most commonly associated with pyuria. Conclusion: As the number of pus cells in urine increases, the chance of yielding significant bacterial growth is also high. Overall, significant pyuria was observed among specimens yielded Gram negative bacilli than Gram positive cocci. Among Gram negative bacilli, Escherichia coli was most commonly accompanied with pyuria.