Urinary tract infection in malnutrition

ABSTRACT

Sixty protein-calorie-malnourished [PCM] children without evidence of infection were evaluated for the presence of urinary tract infection [UTI]. Twenty children of matched age and sex served as controls. The urine sample was obtained by supra-pubic bladder tap. Five malnourished children [8.33%] had positive urine cultures and significant bacteruria by colony count, while all the controls were negative. Significant pyuria [> 5 pus Cells/ H.P.F.] was present in 15 PCM children [25%] but not in any of the control children. All cases with positive urine culture had pyuria > 15 pus cells/ H.P.F