Comparison of the frequency of bacteriuria in diabetic and non-diabetic patients without symptoms of urinary tract infection

Abstract

Introduction: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the most common infections among either community or hospital-acquired infections. UTIs are common in diabetes mellitus, with glycosuria and neurogenic bladder being the predisposing factors.

Methods: This was a retrospective observational study. The study population consisted of 100 diabetic and 40 non-diabetic patients. The rates of bacteriuria and pyuria were investigated in diabetic and non-diabetic patients who had been hospitalized and who did not have any complaints of UTI. Urine samples of patients were collected and each sample was tested through microscopy and culture. Furthermore, the urine samples were inoculated on blood agar and eosin methylene blue agar medium and incubated for 18–24 h at 37°C. Diabetic patients were evaluated to obtain data on age, gender, duration and type of diabetes, body mass index, retinopathy, nephropathy, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level, and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) level.

Results: A higher rate of bacteriuria was detected in diabetic patients (21%) than in non-diabetic patients (5%) (p = 0.02). Infections were detected more frequently in patients with high HbA1c level (p = 0.001), those in the advanced age group (p = 0.014), and those with nephropathy (p < 0.01).

Conclusion: Asymptomatic bacteriuria was more prevalent in diabetic than in non-diabetic patients, with poor glycemic control, age, and nephropathy being significant risk factors. Escherichia coli is the most common organism that causes bacteriuria in diabetic patients.