Bacteria in a baby's urine

One of the indicators of the presence of infection or pathological processes in the body is bacteria in the urine. Let's consider the causes of this phenomenon, types, and treatment methods.

Urine is excreted by the kidneys and is a product of human life activity. It is filtered in the kidneys and then flows down the ureters into the bladder and is excreted from the body through the urethra.

Urine testing in children is one of the simple and at the same time informative diagnostic methods. Biological fluid parameters may indicate the presence of pathology even before its clinical symptoms appear. The analysis provides information about the state of the genitourinary system and the whole organism, reveals hidden inflammatory processes.

Bacteria in a child's urine are a dangerous signal, since in a healthy state they should not be present, as well as fungi or parasites. The norm of bacteria for children is no more than 105 per 1 mm of urine. An increased number of pathogenic microorganisms indicates the development of bacteriuria or infection of the urinary tract (cystitis, pyelonephritis, urethritis). [ 1 ]

What does bacteria in a child's urine mean?

One of the reasons for the presence of bacteria in the urine of children is an incorrectly collected sample. If the analysis is confirmed after retaking, then it is necessary to establish what caused such indicators.

There are two ways in which bacteria can enter the body:

1. Ascending - pathogens pass through the urinary tract from the lower genital tract
2. Descending - microbes descend from the upper parts of the urinary system.

Bacteria form in urine during infectious kidney lesions. Another possible reason for their appearance is poor personal hygiene, improper placement of a urinary catheter, or non-sterile devices.

Depending on the results of the analysis and the characteristics of bacterial development, children may be diagnosed with the following diseases:

• Pyelonephritis is an infectious and inflammatory disease of the kidneys with damage to the renal pelvis.
• Cystitis is an inflammation of the lining of the bladder.
• Asymptomatic bacteriuria is the presence of bacteria in the urine, but the absence of clinical symptoms and other signs.

Bacteria can enter the urine from the large intestine. In this case, the infection moves from the anus to the urethra, and up to the bladder, spreading further throughout the body.

A large number of microbes is bacteriuria. This disease can occur with pronounced symptoms or latent. In the first case, colic and burning during urination, urinary incontinence, frequent urge to go to the toilet occur. The secreted fluid acquires a strong odor, and may contain blood or mucus. If the infection spreads to the kidneys, it manifests itself as elevated body temperature, vomiting, nausea, and lower back pain. [ 2 ]

Normal levels of bacteria in a child's urine

Normally, there should be no bacteria in a child's urine, since urine is a sterile liquid. A healthy person does not have any foreign impurities in physiological excretion. The presence of blood, mucus, pus, sediment, salt are signs of inflammatory processes.

If the number of detected bacteria is higher than 105 g/ml, this indicates bacteriuria. The danger of this condition is that it can proceed without pronounced symptoms. As bacteriuria progresses, serious kidney pathologies and other diseases of the urinary system develop.

Excess of the bacterial norm is often associated with hypothermia and infectious and inflammatory diseases. Very often, children are diagnosed with purulent-inflammatory diseases of infectious origin: furunculosis, tonsillitis, abscess. In this case, the pathogenic flora spreads through the bloodstream and throughout the body, causing kidney damage and inflammatory processes of various forms in the surrounding tissues. [ 3 ]

Bacteria in the urine of a breastfed baby

The main reason for the presence of pathogenic microorganisms in the urine of an infant is infections of the lower and upper urinary tract (cystitis, pyelonephritis, etc.). It is newborns who encounter these pathologies more often than other age groups of children. This is associated with difficulties in identifying clinical symptoms, since the baby is not yet able to communicate that it hurts to pee or that his lower back hurts.

The disease manifests itself with an elevated body temperature and the absence of any other symptoms. Also, against the background of infection, gastrointestinal tract lesions with loose stools and vomiting may occur. The child becomes sleepy, pale, and eats poorly. Antibacterial drugs are used for treatment. If the medicine is chosen correctly, then an improvement in the disease state and a decrease in the number of bacteria in the urine analysis is observed on the 2nd-3rd day.

If after recovery the level of pathogenic microorganisms in the urine culture is higher than normal, but the child feels normal, then the baby is diagnosed with asymptomatic bacteriuria. The doctor gives a referral for an ultrasound of the kidneys and bladder to exclude rare and congenital pathologies that can cause fluid stagnation and bacterial proliferation. Based on the results of the diagnostics, a treatment plan is drawn up. [ 4 ]

Increased bacteria in a child's urine test

The body contains a large number of microorganisms, both beneficial and harmful. Increased bacterial content in urine analysis is bacteriuria. Often this condition is asymptomatic and can cause the development of more serious diseases.

The main reasons for increased bacteria are:

• Urinary tract infections.
• Decreased immune defense.
• Infection of other organs.
• Violation of sterility and rules for collecting fluid.
• Failure to comply with hygiene rules.

The symptoms of bacteriuria are blurred and do not appear immediately. This in turn leads to late diagnosis and delayed treatment, which threatens various complications.

There are a number of symptoms that may indicate a violation of the bacterial norm:

• Frequent urination.
• Burning and itching when urinating.
• Pain in the lower abdomen.
• Urine is cloudy in color.
• Urinary incontinence.
• Liquid with a foul odor.

Special attention is paid to the level of leukocytes in case of increased bacterial content in urine. If leukocytes are normal, then bacteriuria manifests itself with isolated symptoms.

Treatment methods for the disease depend on the child's age. If there are signs of cystitis or pyelonephritis, antibacterial therapy is administered, and anti-inflammatory drugs may be taken.

Also, do not forget about preventive measures, which consist of constant monitoring of the child's condition. Of great importance is the observance of personal hygiene rules and timely emptying of the bladder. Urinary retention is one of the most common causes of active reproduction of pathogenic flora. [ 5 ]

Single bacteria in the urine of a child

Single bacteria should not cause concern, as such indicators are considered normal. If their level is more than 105 per 1 mm of urine, then this is a reason for re-testing and more detailed diagnostics of the urinary system.

The main routes of infection are:

• Descending - pathogenic microorganisms affect the kidneys and spread to the organs of the urinary system.
• Ascending – microbes enter the ureter and move upward (similar to what happens with cystitis).
• Hematogenous – the infection penetrates through the blood or from other foci of inflammation. Through the circulatory system it enters the kidneys, renal pelvis, and urinary bladder.
• Lymphatic - microbes travel through the lymphatic vessels from the pelvic organs.

Chronic respiratory diseases, gingivitis, and stomatitis can also cause a large number of bacteria in the urine. They are quite dangerous sources of infection spreading throughout the body.

When pathogenic microorganisms or opportunistic microflora enter the kidneys and bladder, bacteriuria develops. The disease can be asymptomatic or manifest itself in various disorders.

To assess the degree of pathology, a bacteriological urine culture is performed on a nutrient medium. This analysis allows identifying pathogenic flora and determining its sensitivity to antibacterial drugs. [ 6 ]

Large amount of bacteria in the urine of a child

If the child is healthy, the fluid secreted by the kidneys is sterile. But the presence of a small number of bacteria is considered normal. An indicative criterion is 105 or more microbes in 1 ml of urine. A large number of bacteria in the urine of a child indicates the development of bacteriuria.

The pathological condition indicates inflammatory or infectious processes in the body, genitourinary system. If bacteriuria is caused by an inflammatory process, then the general condition of the body and immune system is of great importance. In this case, the values of the leukocyte level are taken into account. Streptococci, staphylococci, E. coli, ureaplasma can also be detected.

Microbes enter the urinary system in different ways. The main reasons for increased bacteria in a child's analysis include:

• Inflammatory kidney lesions.
• Inflammation of the pelvic organs.
• Diagnostic or therapeutic procedures on the urinary tract.
• Urolithiasis.
• Indigestion.
• Various infectious diseases.
• Chronic diseases.
• Violation of personal hygiene.

In some patients, bacteriuria occurs without any obvious symptoms, while in others it causes a complex of various symptoms. To treat this pathology, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory drugs are used that destroy pathogenic flora. [ 7 ]

Bacteria and leukocytes in the urine of a child

The presence of white blood cells and microbes in children's urine most often indicates diseases of the urinary tract and kidneys. Such indicators may occur with acute respiratory viral infections, various infectious lesions, allergic reactions. Another possible cause of the disorder is incorrect collection of the analysis.

The main reasons for the appearance of a large number of bacteria and leukocytes in the urine of a child:

• Urinary tract infections.
• Inflammation of the kidneys, urethra, bladder, ureter.
• Lesions of the excretory system.
• Infections and inflammation of the external genitalia.
• Dermatological and allergic reactions.

Elevated values require a repeat test. If the test is confirmed, a comprehensive examination of the body is carried out. The doctor gives a referral for an ultrasound of the kidneys and bladder, MRI, CT, cystoscopy. Based on the diagnostic results, a treatment plan is drawn up. [ 8 ]

Mucus and bacteria in the urine of a child

A child's urine test allows you to find out whether everything is okay with the baby's health. The appearance of a large amount of mucus and bacteria should be alarming, since such results indicate certain pathological processes in the body.

Mucus is produced in the goblet cells of the urethral mucosa. Its main function is to protect the urinary tract from urea and other components of urine. Mucus also protects the urinary system from pathogens. Normally, the amount of mucus secreted is minimal, and bacteria are completely absent.

Let's look at the main reasons for the appearance of mucus and bacteria in a child's urine:

• Incorrect collection of fluid (non-sterile collection container, poor hygiene, improper storage of urine).
• Long-term abstinence from urination.
• Inflammatory, infectious diseases of the urethra and bladder (cystitis, urethritis).
• Glomerulonephritis, pyelonephritis.
• Dysmetabolic disorders of the kidneys.
• Phimosis, vulvovaginitis.

If against the background of mucus and bacteria there is an increased number of leukocytes and epithelium, then this is a clear sign of an inflammatory process in the urinary system. Inflammation can be detected by red blood cells. A large number of salts is a symptom of dysmetabolic nephropathy. Increased protein - kidney disease and acute inflammatory processes.

Patients are prescribed a retest to rule out possible errors associated with the collection or transportation of the material. The doctor also gives a referral for a Nechiporenko test, ultrasound, blood test, bacterial culture. In some cases, cystoscopy, tomography and other diagnostic procedures may be performed. [ 9 ]

Nitrites and bacteria in the urine of a child

Urine analysis is one of the most informative and accessible studies that allows you to assess the condition of a child's body. A screening test is performed to detect nitrites, which is aimed at diagnosing urinary tract infections.

Nitrites are chemical substances, nitrogen salts. Their presence in the analysis indicates certain disorders in the body. Most often, this is observed with excessive consumption of vegetables and fruits with nitrates. Nitrate bacteria are transformed into nitrites and contribute to the development of urinary tract infections.

Most often, pathogenic agents are the following infections: staphylococcus, E. coli, salmonella, klebsiella, enterococcus. At the same time, gram-positive bacteria do not have enzymes that ensure the transformation of nitrates into nitrites.

Reasons for detecting nitrites and bacteria in urine:

• In newborns, this is observed when using diapers. If the diaper is used incorrectly, all the conditions for the development of infection arise in it. This happens when the baby is washed incorrectly.

• In older children, the risk of infection increases. Bacteria enter the urinary tract due to various injuries, genital diseases, poor hygiene, and hypothermia.

• Inflammation of the bladder, pyelonephritis and other pathologies caused by salmonella, E. coli, citrobacter and other pathogenic microorganisms.

According to medical statistics, every 2-3 urine nitrite test is false negative. That is, the analysis does not detect nitrites, but bacteria are present in the fluid excreted by the kidneys. This occurs due to the inability of some bacteria to convert nitrates. Many gram-positive microorganisms do not have enzymes that affect food nitrates. Another possible reason is rapid emptying of the bladder. Bacteria produce nitrites if the fluid in the bladder is more than 4 hours.

If, after a repeated study, the analysis for bacteria and nitrites is confirmed, then a comprehensive examination of the body is carried out. The doctor's task is to verify the presence of an infectious process. Based on the results of the studies, a therapy plan is drawn up. Antibacterial drugs are used for treatment, a special diet is prescribed with a restriction of fresh vegetables and fruits. Repeated urine tests are indicated to monitor the effectiveness of the treatment. [ 10 ]

Salts and bacteria in the urine of a child

The imbalance of the internal environment of the child's body is the main reason for the appearance of salts and bacteria in the urine. Salts are crystals of a certain substance. The appearance of salts and pathogenic flora can be temporary, that is, a transient phenomenon associated with the nature of the food consumed or the intake of medications.

Persistent saluria and bacteriuria against the background of metabolic disorders may be signs of the development of urolithiasis and other pathological processes in the body.

The main reasons for the appearance of salts in the urine of children include the abuse of such products:

• Chocolate
• Mushrooms
• Citrus
• Ascorbic and citric acid
• Dairy and smoked products
• Cocoa
• Legumes
• Strong tea

The test results may be due to urolithiasis or various kidney pathologies, inflammation of the bladder.

Salt compounds are divided into phosphates (formed in an alkaline environment), urates and oxalates (acidic environment).

1. Oxalates in a child increase due to a large amount of oxalic acid. If the result is repeated during a repeated analysis, this may be a sign of kidney stones and serious kidney pathologies.
2. Phosphates indicate an excess of phosphorus-containing foods (carrots, dairy products, lettuce, legumes), infections in the genitourinary tract, rickets, and dysfunction of the intestines or digestive tract.
3. Urates are extremely rare in children. Their presence may be a sign of urolithiasis, renal dysfunction, bowel disease and disorder.

If salts and bacteria are found in a baby, this indicates the presence of prohibited products in the mother's diet or kidney disease in the baby. To establish the true cause, a repeat test, ultrasound of the kidneys and a range of other examinations are carried out. [ 11 ]

What to do if bacteria are found in a child's urine?

The appearance of bacteria in a child's urine can be a diagnostic sign of many serious pathological processes and diseases. Based on this, it is extremely important to establish the cause of the increase in pathogenic flora and other elements in the urine and eliminate it.

From the moment of birth, children are exposed to infectious attacks. During the first six months, babies do not have their own immune defense, so the risk of infection increases significantly. A nursing mother should carefully monitor her diet and carefully select foods for feeding the baby.

To detect pathogens, physiological secretions should be collected correctly. Since incorrect urine collection is the most common cause of false test results. The morning portion of liquid is collected in a sterile container, after washing the baby.

It should also be taken into account that in 30% of cases, bacteriuria develops due to prolonged urinary retention. Therefore, parents should monitor the regularity of urination in the child and eliminate all predisposing factors that contribute to the development of dysuric disorders. Another important factor in the development of bacteriuria is ascending infection due to failure to observe personal hygiene.

Treatment bacteria in the baby's urine

The main goal of treatment is to eliminate the source of the disease, normalize the urination process and improve overall well-being. Treatment begins with a comprehensive examination of the child's body and establishing the causes of bacteriuria. An analysis of the resistance of bacteria to antibacterial drugs, which are an obligatory component of therapy, is mandatory.

If poor test results are caused by purulent-inflammatory diseases of the kidneys, ureters, urethra, bladder, then a nephrologist or urologist is involved in the treatment. The child is prescribed an ultrasound of the genitourinary system and other diagnostic procedures. Therapy consists of nutritional correction, medication, and a set of preventive measures.

If bacteriuria is mild or latent, the patient is prescribed a course of antibiotics, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, antihistamine and other drugs. In particularly severe cases, treatment is carried out in a hospital setting under the dynamic supervision of the attending physician and control of laboratory parameters of blood and urine.

Let's look at the most effective drugs used for elevated bacteria in urine:

Anti-inflammatory – reduce painful symptoms and stop pathological processes. Promote a speedy recovery.

Canephron

It has anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties. Contains active components of plant origin that reduce the intensity of inflammation, have a diuretic effect and eliminate spasms of the urinary tract.

• Indications for use: monotherapy and complex treatment of chronic forms of infectious diseases of the kidneys and bladder. Non-infectious chronic kidney diseases. Prevention of urinary calculi formation.
• Method of administration: orally, washing down the tablet with a sufficient amount of liquid. Used for patients over 12 years of age. The recommended dosage is 2 tablets 3 times a day. The duration of treatment is determined by the attending physician.
• Side effects: allergic reactions, urticaria, skin rash and itching, hyperemia of the skin. In rare cases, nausea and vomiting, stool disorders are observed. Overdose has similar signs, treatment is symptomatic.
• Contraindications: hypersensitivity to the components of the drug, peptic ulcer in the period of relapse, cardiac and renal failure. With special caution it is prescribed for patients with diabetes mellitus. It is not used for children under 12 years of age and as monotherapy for patients with impaired renal function.

Release form: enteric-coated tablets, 20 pieces per blister, 3 blisters (60 tablets) per package.

Cystone

It has anti-inflammatory and diuretic effects. Contains plant extracts that increase blood supply to the kidneys and urinary tract. Reduces the content of calcium, oxalic acid and other substances in urine, reducing the risk of stones in the urinary system.

• It exhibits antimicrobial activity against gram-negative microorganisms. It has antispasmodic properties, alleviating the condition in dysuric disorders.
• Indications for use: complex therapy of urinary tract diseases of infectious origin. Litholysis of stones (phosphate and oxalate stones), sialolithiasis, urinary incontinence, gout. Preventive postoperative therapy to prevent the formation of stones in the urinary tract.
• Method of administration: orally, with a sufficient amount of liquid. For urinary tract infections, children aged 2-6 years take ½ tablet per dose, children aged 6-14 years take 1 tablet, patients over 14 years take 2 tablets. The drug is taken 2-3 times a day, the duration of treatment is 6-12 weeks.
• Contraindications: allergic reactions to the components of the drug. Patients under 2 years of age. The drug can be used during pregnancy and lactation. No cases of overdose and adverse reactions have been identified.

Release form: tablets for oral administration.

Urolesan

A plant preparation with antiseptic and diuretic properties. Acidifies urine, promotes the excretion of urea and chlorides, improves hepatic blood flow, increases bile formation and bile secretion.

• Indications for use: inflammation of the liver and bile ducts, inflammation of the gallbladder, chronic pyelonephritis, impaired biliary motility. Various forms and stages of urolithiasis/cholelithiasis.
• Directions for use: 8-10 drops of the medicine are dripped onto a piece of sugar and placed under the tongue. The procedure is performed 3 times a day. The duration of treatment is from 5 to 30 days.
• Side effects: nausea, dizziness. Treatment includes drinking plenty of fluids, rest, and discontinuing the drug.

Release form: orange glass dropper bottles of 15 ml.

Nitrofurans are antimicrobial drugs with a broad spectrum of action.

Furazolidone

An antibacterial agent from the nitrofuran group. It has pronounced antimicrobial properties against gram-positive aerobic microorganisms, protozoa and fungi.

• Indications for use: infectious diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and genitourinary system. Diarrhea of infectious etiology, food poisoning, trichomonas infection, vaginitis, urethritis, pyelitis, cystitis.
• Method of administration: orally, with plenty of water. The dosage for children depends on the patient's body weight and age, so it is determined by the attending physician. The maximum duration of treatment is 10 days. The daily dose is divided into 3-4 doses.
• Side effects: allergic reactions (rash, urticaria, Quincke's edema), nausea and vomiting, pain in the epigastric region. To reduce the severity of side effects, it is recommended to drink the drug with plenty of water, take B vitamins and antihistamines. With long-term therapy, there is a risk of developing hemolytic anemia, hyperthermia, neurotoxic reactions.
• Contraindications: hypersensitivity to the components of the drug, severe renal failure, patients under 1 month of age. It is prescribed with caution during pregnancy and lactation, for patients with impaired renal function, diseases of the nervous system.
• Overdose: toxic liver damage, acute toxic hepatitis, polyneuritis. There is no specific antidote, treatment is symptomatic.

Release form: tablets for oral administration.

Furagin

An antimicrobial agent from the nitrofuran group. Affects the enzymes of microbial cells that transfer hydrogen molecules. Has a pronounced bacteriostatic effect. Affects gram-negative and gram-positive microorganisms. It exhibits the greatest activity at acidic pH of urine. In an alkaline environment, the effect of the drug is limited.

• Indications for use: infectious and inflammatory diseases of the urinary system and prostate gland. Preventive measure for recurrent diseases of the genitourinary system, bladder catheterization, congenital anomalies of the urinary tract.
• Method of administration: tablets are taken orally during meals. The dosage for children is calculated based on 5-7 mg/kg/day. With prolonged therapy, the dosage is reduced to 1-2 mg/kg/day. The course of treatment is 7-8 days.
• Side effects: drowsiness, blurred vision, headaches and dizziness, polyneuropathy. Dyspeptic disorders, diarrhea, constipation, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain. Allergic reactions, general malaise, increased body temperature.
• Contraindications: renal failure, pregnancy and lactation, allergic reactions to the components of the drug, congenital deficiency of the enzyme glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, patients under 7 days of age.
• Overdose: headaches, dizziness, peripheral polyneuritis, liver dysfunction, nausea. In some cases, allergic reactions occur. Gastric lavage is indicated for treatment; in particularly severe cases, hemodialysis is performed.

Release form: tablets of 50 mg, 30 pieces per package.

Sulfonamides are used for severe bacteriuria and other pathological processes in the urinary and reproductive systems.

Sulfalene

Sulfanilamide drug with antimicrobial properties. Has a prolonged effect.

• Indications for use: infectious diseases caused by microorganisms sensitive to the active components of the drug. Inflammation of the bladder, purulent infections, inflammation of the renal pelvis, cholangitis. It is also used for osteomyelitis, otitis, pneumonia, bronchitis.
• Method of administration: for acute and rapidly progressing infections, prescribe 1 g per day with a reduction in dosage to 0.2 g per day 30 minutes before meals. For chronic diseases, take the medicine once a week, 2 g for 1-1.5 months.
• Side effects: allergic reactions, nausea, vomiting, headaches, decreased levels of leukocytes in the blood plasma.
• Contraindications: intolerance to the components of the drug, pregnancy and lactation, excess nitrogen-containing products in the blood.

Release form: tablets of 0.2 g, 10 pieces per package.

Streptocide

It has antimicrobial properties against streptococci, gonococci, pneumococci, E. coli and other bacteria.

• Indications for use: inflammation of the bladder, inflammation of the renal pelvis, inflammation of the colon, wound infections. Prescribed for erysipelas, tonsillitis, purulent inflammation of the membranes of the brain.
• Method of administration: orally 0.5-1 g 5-6 times a day. Dosage for children depends on age. Duration of therapy is individual for each patient.
• Side effects: headaches and dizziness, nausea and vomiting, cyanosis of the skin and mucous membranes, allergic reactions, decreased levels of leukocytes in the blood plasma, paresthesia, tachycardia.
• Contraindications: diseases of the hematopoietic system and kidneys, thyroid gland damage, hypersensitivity to the components of the drug.

Release form: tablets for oral administration, 10 pieces per package, powder for solution for external use, 5% liniment in a package of 50 g.

Sulfapyridazine

A prolonged-release sulfanilamide drug.

• Indications for use: inflammatory lesions of the urinary tract, purulent infections, inflammatory lesions of the central nervous system, dysentery. Inflammation of the lungs and bronchi, trachoma, drug-resistant forms of malaria, dysentery.
• Method of administration: orally 1 g, with a reduction in dosage to 0.5 g per day. In case of severe infections, the dosage is increased. For children 25 mg/kg of body weight on the first day, then 12.5 mg/kg. Duration of treatment is 5-7 days.
• Side effects: headaches, nausea, vomiting, skin allergic reactions, drug fever, formation of crystals in the urine, decreased levels of leukocytes in the blood plasma.
• Contraindications: individual intolerance to the components of the drug.

Release form: powder, tablets of 500 mg, 10 pieces per package.

Bacteria in the urine of a child are an important diagnostic indicator that requires detailed study. After establishing the causes of the disorder, a treatment plan is drawn up. In addition to drug therapy, special attention should be paid to the personal hygiene of children. It is recommended to monitor the baby's urination, since prolonged abstinence contributes to the development of pathogenic flora. It is also necessary to review the child's diet, strengthen the protective properties of the immune system and promptly treat any diseases of the body, thereby preventing the development and spread of infection.