Asymptomatic Bacteriuria
DefinitionAsymptomatic bacteriuria is a bacterial urinary tract infection that occurs without any of the usual symptoms.
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Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Asymptomatic bacteriuria occurs in up to 6% of healthy individuals. It affects 18% of diabetics (mostly women) and 20% of elderly individuals (more often women than men). The reasons for the lack of symptoms are not well-understood.
Most patients with asymptomatic bacteriuria do not need treatment because the bacteria isn't causing any harm. However, certain groups are at a higher risk for kidney infections if asymptomatic bacteriuria is found via a urine test. Those at risk include:
- People with diabetes
- Elderly people
- Pregnant women -- if asymptomatic bacteriuria is left untreated, up to 40% will develop a kidney infection (pyelonephritis).
- Renal (kidney) transplant patients
- Young children with vesicoureteral reflux
- Patients with infected kidney stones
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