Comparison of urine culture, microscopy and nitrite dipstick tests in the detection of urinary tract infection

ABSTRACT

UTI is one of the most frequent bacterial diseases in children, adults and in the elderly. The most widespread reference method for UTI is conventional urine culture. This method is time consuming, expansive and patients are often treated before results are available. Dipsticks nitrite test and examination microscopy [White blood cells] are commonly used in primary care to predict the subsequent diagnosis of urinary tract infection. Compare reagent strip testing [nitrite] with microscopy and culture in identifying significant bacteriuria and to assess the prevalence of UTI and to assess the most frequent pathogens responsible for UTI's in outpatients in Benghazi. Urine samples were obtained from 546 adults [pregnant, non pregnant females and males] and children from out patients in the city of Benghazi from July 2006 to July 2007. Nitrite test, pyuria, and bacteriuria had a sensitivity of 27.3%, 76.4% and 47.3% respectively for detect in UTI cases and specificity of 100%, 88.7% and 97.4% respectively. Escherichia coli was the most common organism isolated [n=26, 47.3%] followed by Klcbsiella pneumoniae [n=l5, 27.3%]. The results suggest that positive cultures cannot accurately predicted by microscopic urinalysis or the nitrite dipstick alone