Asymptomatic Bacteriuria: Prevalence, Diagnosis, Management and Current Antimicrobial Stewardship Implementations. Journal Article

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Authors: Luu, T; Albarillo, FS
Article Title: Asymptomatic Bacteriuria: Prevalence, Diagnosis, Management and Current Antimicrobial Stewardship Implementations.
Abstract: Asymptomatic bacteriuria is a common clinical condition that often leads to unnecessary treatment. It has been shown that incidence of asymptomatic bacteriuria increases with age and are more prominent in women than men. In older women, the incidence of asymptomatic bacteriuria is recorded to be more than 15%. This number increased up to 50% for those who reside in long term care facilities. In most scenarios, asymptomatic bacteriuria does not lead to urinary tract infections, and therefore, antibiotic treatment of asymptomatic bacteriuria has not been shown to improve patient outcomes. In 2019, the Infectious Disease Society of America (IDSA) has updated its asymptomatic bacteriuria management guidelines which emphasized on the risks and benefits of treating the condition. Women, who are pregnant should be screened for asymptomatic bacteriuria in the first trimester and treated, if positive. Individuals who are undergoing endoscopic urologic procedures should be screened and treated appropriately for asymptomatic bacteriuria as well. Treating asymptomatic bacteriuria in individuals with diabetes, neutropenia, spinal cord injuries, indwelling urinary catheters etc. has not been found to improve clinical outcomes. Furthermore, unnecessary treatment is often associated with unwanted consequences including but not limited to increased antimicrobial resistance, Clostridioides difficile infection, and increased healthcare cost. As a result, multiple antibiotic stewardship programs around the United States have implemented protocols to appropriately reduce unnecessary treatment of asymptomatic bacteriuria. It is important to appropriately screen and treat asymptomatic bacteriuria only when there is evidence of potential benefit.
Journal Title: The American Journal of Medicine
ISSN: 1555-7162; 0002-9343
Publisher: Unknown  
Date Published: 2022
LUC Authors
  1. Fritzie Albarillo
    29 Albarillo
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