ABSTRACT
The prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria [ASB] and associated risk factors were investigated in 100 Egyptian children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus and 100 age and sex matched healthy controls. All were subjected to clinical evaluation and assessment of mean random blood glucose, mean glycosylated hemoglobin [HbAlc]; microalbuminuria and midstream urinary samples were collected for complete urine analysis and two consecutive urine cultures and sensitivity tests. The prevalence of ASB was higher among diabetics than controls [30% versus 14%, p<0.01] and was more among older age [p=0.033] and female patients [p<0.001]; especially postpubertal. Microalbuminuria [36.7%] and microvascular complications [50%] were significant risk factors for ASB in patients while metabolic control and disease duration were not relevant to ASB [p>0.05]. Pyuria was a strong predictor of bacteriuria in patients [80%] and controls [100%]. The most common isolates were E. coli in patients [30%] and Pseudomonas in controls [57.1%]. Gram positive isolates were detected in 46.7% of diabetic patients but not in controls. ASB is more prevalent among type 1 diabetic patients in the pediatric age group. Screening for ASB is warranted in diabetic patients with risk factors especially if pyuria is detected in their urine analysis