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. Consider the causes of this phenomenon, types, methods of treatment.

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

The study of urine in children is one of the simplest and at the same time informative diagnostic methods. Indicators of biological fluid can indicate the presence of pathology even before the appearance of its clinical symptoms. The analysis provides information about the state of the urogenital system and the entire body, reveals hidden inflammatory processes.

Bacteria in a child's urine is 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 pathogens indicates the development of bacteriuria or infection of the urinary organs (cystitis, pyelonephritis, urethritis). [1]

What does it mean to have bacteria in a baby's urine?

One of the causes of bacteria in the urine of children is an incorrectly collected test. If the test is confirmed even after retesting, it is necessary to determine what caused these findings.

There are two ways bacteria can enter the body:

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

Bacteria are formed in the urine when kidney infections occur. Another possible cause is poor personal hygiene, improper insertion of a urinary catheter or unsterile instruments.

Depending on the results of the test and bacterial growth patterns, children may be diagnosed with these diseases:

• Pyelonephritis is an infectious and inflammatory disease of the kidneys with involvement of the renal pelvis.
• Cystitis is an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the bladder.
• Asymptomatic bacteriuria - the presence of bacteria in the urine but no clinical symptoms or other signs.

Bacteria can enter the urine from the large intestine. In this case, the infection travels 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 latently. In the first case, there are cramps and burning when urinating, urinary incontinence, frequent urges to the toilet. The excreted liquid acquires a sharp odor, there may be admixtures of blood or mucus. If the infection spreads to the kidneys, it is manifested by high body temperature, vomiting, nausea, lower back pain. [2]

The norm of bacteria in a child's urine

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

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

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

Bacteria in the urine of an infant

The main reason for the presence of pathogens in infant urine is infections of the lower and upper urinary tract (cystitis, pyelonephritis and others). It is newborns more often than other age groups of children are faced with these pathologies. This is due to the difficulty in identifying clinical symptoms, as the baby is not yet able to report that it hurts to pee or has lower back pain.

The painful condition is manifested by an elevated body temperature and the absence of any other symptoms. Also against the background of infection can occur lesions of the gastrointestinal tract with liquid stools, vomiting. The child becomes drowsy, pale, does not eat well. For treatment, antibacterial drugs are used. If the drug is correctly selected, the improvement of the painful condition and a decrease in the number of bacteria in the urine analysis is observed on the 2-3 day.

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

Elevated bacteria in a child's urine sample

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

The main causes of elevated bacteria:

• Infections in the urinary tract.
• Decreased immune defenses.
• Infection of other organs.
• Violation of sterility and fluid withdrawal rules.
• Failure to maintain good hygiene.

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

There are a number of symptoms that can indicate a bacterial abnormality:

• Increased urination.
• Burning and itching when urinating.
• Lower abdominal pain.
• Urine is cloudy in color.
• Urinary incontinence.
• A liquid with a foul odor.

Particular attention is paid to the level of leukocytes when there is an increased content of bacteria in the urine. If the leukocytes are normal, then bacteriuria is manifested by single symptoms.

Methods of treatment of a painful condition depend on the age of the child. If there are signs of cystitis or pyelonephritis, antibacterial therapy is carried out, anti-inflammatory drugs may be taken.

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

Single bacteria in a child's urine

Single bacteria should not cause concern, as such indicators are considered normal. If their level is more than 105 per 1 mm of urine, it is a reason to retake the analysis and a more detailed diagnosis of the urinary system.

The main routes of infection:

• Downward - pathogens affect the kidneys and spread to the organs of the urinary system.
• Ascending - germs enter the ureter and move upward (similar to cystitis).
• Hematogenous - the infection enters through the blood or from other foci of inflammation. It enters the kidneys, renal pelvis, and bladder through the circulatory system.
• Lymphatic - microbes travel through lymphatic vessels from the pelvic organs.

Also the cause of a large number of bacteria in the urine can be chronic lesions of the respiratory organs, gingivitis, stomatitis. They are quite dangerous sources of spreading infection throughout the body.

When pathogenic microorganisms or opportunistic microflora enter the kidneys and bladder, bacteriuria develops. The painful condition can proceed as asymptomatic, and manifest itself with various disorders.

To assess the degree of pathology, a bacteriological seeding of urine on a nutrient medium is performed. This analysis allows you to identify pathogenic flora, determine its sensitivity to antibacterial drugs. [6]

A high number of bacteria in a child's urine

If the baby 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.

Pathological condition indicates inflammatory or infectious processes in the body, urogenital system. If bacteriuria is due to an inflammatory process, then the general condition of the body and the immune system is important. In this case, the values of the level of leukocytes are taken into account. Streptococci, staphylococci, Escherichia coli, ureaplasmas can also be detected.

Microbes enter the urinary system in a variety of ways. The main causes of elevated bacteria in a child's test include:

• Inflammatory kidney lesions.
• Pelvic inflammation.
• Diagnostic or therapeutic procedures on the urinary tract.
• Urolithiasis.
• Digestive Disturbance.
• Various infectious diseases.
• Chronic illnesses.
• Violation of personal hygiene.

At the same time, in some patients bacteriuria proceeds without pronounced signs, while in others it causes a complex of various symptoms. To treat this pathology, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory drugs are used, which destroy pathogenic flora. [7]

Bacteria and leukocytes in a child's urine

The presence of white blood cells and microbes in children's urine most often indicates diseases of the urinary tract and kidneys. Such indicators can occur with ARVI, 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 urine in a child:

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

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

Mucus and bacteria in a child's urine

Examination of the baby's urine allows you to find out if everything is all right with the baby's health. The appearance of a large amount of mucus and bacteria should be alarming, as such results indicate certain pathological processes in the body.

Mucus is produced in the goblet cells of the mucous membrane of the urethra. 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 there are no bacteria at all.

Consider the main causes of mucus and bacteria in the urine of a child:

• Improper fluid collection (unsterile collection container, poor hygiene, improper storage of urine).
• Prolonged abstinence from urination.
• Inflammatory, infectious diseases of the urethra and bladder (cystitis, urethritis).
• Glomerulonephritis, pyelonephritis.
• Dysmetabolic renal disorders.
• Phimosis, vulvovaginitis.

If there is an increased number of leukocytes and epithelium on the background of mucus and bacteria, it is a clear sign of inflammation in the urinary system. With inflammation, cells of erythrocytes can be detected. A large number of salts is a symptom of dysmetabolic nephropathy. Elevated protein - kidney disease and acute inflammatory processes.

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

Nitrites and bacteria in a child's urine

Urinalysis is one of the most informative and accessible studies to assess the condition of the pediatric organism. To detect nitrites, a screening test is performed to diagnose urinary tract infections.

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

The most common pathogens are the following infections: staphylococcus, Escherichia coli, salmonella, Klebsiella, enterococcus. Gram-positive bacteria do not have enzymes that ensure the transformation of nitrates into nitrites.

Causes of nitrite and bacteria detection in urine:

• In newborns, this is seen with the use of diapers. If the diaper is not used properly, all conditions for the development of infection occur in the diaper. This occurs if the infant is not properly diapered.

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

• Inflammation of the bladder, pyelonephritis and other pathologies caused by salmonellae, Escherichia coli, Citrobacter and other pathogens.

According to medical statistics, every 2-3 tests for nitrites in urine are false negatives. That is, the test does not detect nitrites, but bacteria are present in the fluid excreted by the kidneys. This is due to the inability of some bacteria to convert nitrates. Many Gram-positive microorganisms do not have enzymes that affect food nitrates. Another possible cause is rapid bladder emptying. Bacteria produce nitrites when the fluid inside the bladder is more than 4 hours old.

If the bacteria and nitrite test is confirmed after a second examination, a comprehensive examination of the body is carried out. The doctor's task is to make sure that there is an infectious process. Based on the results of the tests, a therapy plan is drawn up. For treatment, antibacterial drugs are used, a special diet with a restriction of fresh fruits and vegetables is prescribed. To monitor the effectiveness of treatment, repeated urine tests are indicated. [10]

Salts and bacteria in a child's urine

An imbalance in the internal environment of a child's body is the main cause of salts and bacteria in the urine. Salts are crystals of a certain substance. The appearance of salts and pathogenic flora can be a temporary, i.e. Transient phenomenon associated with the nature of the food consumed or medication.

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

The main causes of salts in urine in children include abuse of such products:

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

The results of the tests can be due to urolithiasis or various pathologies of the kidneys, 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 are elevated due to a large amount of oxalic acid. If the result is repeated when the test is repeated, it may be a sign of kidney stones and serious renal pathologies.
2. Phosphates indicate an overabundance of phosphorus-containing foods (carrots, dairy products, lettuce, legumes), infections in the urogenital tract, rickets, intestinal or digestive disorders.
3. Urates in children are extremely rare. Their presence may be a sign of urolithiasis, renal dysfunction, diseases and intestinal disorders.

If salts and bacteria are found in an infant, it indicates the presence of prohibited foods in the diet of the mother or kidney disease of the infant. To determine the true cause, a repeat test, renal ultrasound and a set of other examinations are performed. [11]

What to do if a child is found to have bacteria in the urine?

The appearance of bacteria in the urine of a child can act as a diagnostic sign of many serious pathological processes and diseases. Therefore, it is extremely important to establish the cause of the increase of pathogenic flora and other elements in the urine and eliminate it.

From the moment of birth, babies are susceptible to infectious attacks. During the first six months, babies do not have their own immune defenses, so the risk of infection increases significantly. A breastfeeding mother should carefully monitor her diet and carefully select foods for the baby's food intake.

To detect pathogens, physiologic secretions should be collected correctly. Since improper urine collection is the most common cause of false test results. The morning portion of the liquid is collected in a sterile container, having previously washed 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 the child's urination and eliminate all predisposing factors that contribute to the development of dysuric disorders. Another important factor in the development of bacteriuria is ascending infection through poor personal hygiene.

Treatment of the bacteria in the baby's urine

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

If bad tests are due to purulent-inflammatory diseases of the kidneys, ureters, urethra, bladder, then treatment is handled by a nephrologist or urologist. The child is prescribed ultrasound of the organs of the urogenital system and other diagnostic procedures. Therapy consists of nutritional correction, taking medications and a set of preventive measures.

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

Consider the most effective drugs used for elevated bacteria in urine:

Anti-inflammatory - reduce painful symptoms and stop pathological processes. Promote early recovery.

Kanefron

It has anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties. Contains active components of plant origin, which 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 disease. Prevention of the formation of urinary concrements.
• Directions for use: orally, washing down the tablet with a sufficient amount of liquid. It is used for patients over 12 years of age. The recommended dosage - 2 tablets 3 times a day. Duration of treatment is determined by the attending physician.
• Side effects: allergic reactions, urticaria, skin rash and itching, skin hyperemia. In rare cases, the development of nausea and vomiting, stool disorder is observed. Overdose has similar signs, treatment is symptomatic.
• Contraindications: hypersensitivity to the drug components, peptic ulcer in the period of recurrence, cardiac and renal insufficiency. 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.

Form of release: tablets with enteric-soluble coating of 20 pieces in a blister, 3 blisters (60 tablets) in a package.

Cystone

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

• Exhibits antimicrobial activity against gram-negative microorganisms. It has antispasmodic properties, relieving dysuric disorders.
• Indications: complex therapy of diseases of the urinary system of infectious origin. Litholysis of concretions (phosphate and oxalate stones), sialolithiasis, urinary incontinence, gout. Preventive postoperative therapy to prevent the formation of concretions in the urinary tract.
• Directions for use: orally, drinking enough liquid. In urinary tract infections in children 2-6 years old ½ tablet per administration, children 6-14 years old 1 tablet, patients over 14 years old 2 tablets. The drug is taken 2-3 times a day, the duration of treatment is 6-12 weeks.
• Contraindications: allergic reactions to the drug components. 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.

Form of release: tablets for oral administration.

Urolesan

Plant preparation with antiseptic and diuretic properties. Acidifies urine, promotes excretion of urea and chloride, improves hepatic blood flow, increases bile formation and biliary excretion.

• Indications for use: inflammation of the liver and bile ducts, inflammation of the gallbladder, chronic pyelonephritis, biliary motility disorders. Various forms and stages of urolithiasis/gallstone disease.
• How to use: 8-10 drops of the drug is dripped on a piece of sugar and placed under the tongue. The procedure is carried out 3 times a day. Duration of treatment from 5 to 30 days.
• Side effects: nausea, dizziness. Treatment requires drinking plenty of water, rest and withdrawal of the drug.

Form of release: orange glass dropper bottles of 15 ml.

Nitrofurans are broad-spectrum antimicrobials.

Furazolidone

Antibacterial agent from the group of nitrofurans. It has pronounced antimicrobial properties against Gram-positive aerobic microorganisms, protozoa and fungi.

• Indications for use: infectious diseases of the GI tract and genitourinary system. Diarrhea of infectious etiology, food intoxication, trichomonad infection, vaginitis, urethritis, pyelitis, cystitis.
• How to use: orally, drinking plenty of water. Dosage for children depends on body weight and age of the patient, 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 (rashes, 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 prolonged therapy there is a risk of hemolytic anemia, hyperthermia, neurotoxic reactions.
• Contraindications: hypersensitivity to the drug components, severe renal failure, patients under 1 month of life. 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.

Form of release: tablets for oral administration.

Furagin

Antimicrobial agent from the nitrofuran group. Affects the enzymes of microbial cells that transport hydrogen molecules. It has a pronounced bacteriostatic effect. Affects gram-negative and gram-positive microorganisms. It is most active when the pH of urine is acidic. In 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.
• How to use: tablets are taken orally with meals. Dosage for children is calculated on the basis of 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, visual impairment, headaches and dizziness, polyneuropathy. Dyspeptic disorders, diarrhea, constipation, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain. Allergic reactions, general malaise, increased body temperature.
• Contraindications: renal insufficiency, pregnancy and lactation, allergic reactions to the drug components, congenital deficiency of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase enzyme, patients younger than 7 days of life.
• Overdose: headaches, dizziness, peripheral polyneuritis, hepatic dysfunction, nausea. In some cases allergic reactions occur. Gastric lavage is indicated for treatment, in especially severe cases hemodialysis is performed.

Form of release: 50 mg tablets, 30 pieces in a package.

Sulfonamides - used for severe bacteriuria and other pathological processes in the urinary and genital systems.

Sulfalen

Sulfonamide drug with antimicrobial properties. It has prolonged action.

• 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 in osteomyelitis, otitis media, pneumonia, bronchitis.
• How to use: in acute and rapid infections prescribe 1 g per day with a decrease in dosage to 0.2 g per day 30 minutes before meals. In chronic diseases, the drug is taken once a week for 2 g for 1-1.5 months.
• Side effects: allergic reactions, nausea, vomiting, headaches, decrease in the level of leukocytes in blood plasma.
• Contraindications: intolerance to the components of the drug, pregnancy and lactation, excessive content of nitrogen-containing products in the blood.

Form of release: tablets of 0.2 g for 10 pieces in a 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. It is prescribed for swelling, sore throat, purulent inflammation of the cerebral membranes.
• How to use: orally 0.5-1 g 5-6 times a day. Dosage for children depends on age. Duration of therapy is individualized for each patient.
• Side effects: headaches and dizziness, nausea and vomiting, blueing of the skin and mucous membranes, allergic reactions, decreased plasma leukocyte count, paresthesias, tachycardia.
• Contraindications: diseases of the hematopoietic system and kidneys, lesions of the thyroid gland, hypersensitivity to the components of the drug.

Form of release: tablets for oral intake of 10 pieces in a package, powder for preparation of solution for external use, 5% liniment in a package of 50 g.

Sulfapyridazine

Long-acting sulfonamide drug.

• Indications for use: inflammatory lesions of the urinary tract, purulent infections, inflammatory lesions of the CNS, dysentery. Inflammation of the lungs and bronchi, trachoma, drug-resistant forms of malaria, dysentery.
• Dosage: 1 g orally, with a decrease in dosage to 0.5 g per day. In severe infections, the dosage is increased. Children 25 mg / kg body weight in 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 level of leukocytes in blood plasma.
• Contraindications: individual intolerance to the components of the drug.

Form of release: powder, 500 mg tablets, 10 pieces in a package.

Bacteria in the urine of a child is an important diagnostic indicator that requires a detailed study. After establishing the causes of the violation, 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 urination of the baby, since prolonged abstinence promotes the development of pathogenic flora. It is also necessary to review the diet of the child, strengthen the protective properties of the immune system and timely treat any diseases of the body, thereby preventing the development and spread of infection.