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Urinary Tract Infection: Asymptomatic Bacteriuria

Topic Overview

Asymptomatic bacteriuria is a common condition in which bacteria are present in the urine but there are no symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI). It usually goes away without treatment, but it can be permanent in some people.

Doctors disagree about whether treatment is needed for this condition. And many experts believe treatment should be reserved for UTIs with symptoms.1 But three groups should benefit from treatment. They are:

  • Pregnant women.
  • People who have had kidney transplants.
  • People who are about to have surgery involving the urinary tract.

References

Citations

  1. Gupta K, Stamm WE (2008). Urinary tract infections. In DC Dale, DD Federman, eds., ACP Medicine, section 7, chap. 23. Hamilton, ON: BC Decker.

Credits

By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Avery L. Seifert, MD - Urology
Last Revised May 16, 2011

Last Revised: May 16, 2011

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine & Avery L. Seifert, MD - Urology

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