Asymptomatic bacteriuria

Abstract

Introduction: Asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) is a condition characterised by significant infection in urine. Its association with diabetes mellitus is strongly suggested. However, the exact prevalence has been controversial. Objectives: The study was undertaken with the aim of evaluating the prevalence and aetiology of asymptomatic bacteriuria in diabetics as well as non-diabetics. Materials and Methods: A total of 460 patients were included in the study with 230 diabetics and 230 non-diabetics. Midstream clean catch urine samples were collected alongwith parallel blood samples for estimating the glycosylated haemoglobin levels. Results: Of the total 460 subjects, 78 (17.0%) had ASB with 56 in diabetics and 22 in non-diabetics, depicting a higher rate of ASB in diabetes mellitus. Majority of the patients who had ASB were aged more than 60 years, irrespective of whether in the diabetic or non-diabetic category. Also, there was a significant difference in the type of infective organism in urine from diabetic patients as compared to the non-diabetic patients. Conclusion: A higher prevalence rate of ASB was observed in diabetic patients as compared to non-diabetics. Furthermore, the newer infecting organisms that are more common in patients with diabetes mellitus was highlighted in the study. Keywords: Asymptomatic bacteriuria, Urine, Diabetes, Glycosylated haemoglobin