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Asymptomatic bacteriuria
Definition:
Asymptomatic bacteriuria is a bacterial urinary tract infection that occurs without any of the usual symptoms. Causes, incidence, and risk factors:
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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 they develop asymptomatic bacteriuria. 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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