Asymptomatic bacteriuria in sickle cell disease: a cross-sectional study

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Infectious Diseases
• Hematology

Background:

• Urinary tract infections (UTIs) and renal dysfunction are known complications in sickle cell disease (SCD).
• The impact of asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) in SCD patients remains unclear.
• This study aimed to determine the prevalence of ASB in a Jamaican SCD cohort.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD).
• To explore potential associations between ASB and clinical outcomes in SCD.
• To identify risk factors for ASB in this population.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study of 266 patients in the Jamaican Sickle Cell Cohort.
• Urine samples were analyzed for bacterial culture, with > or = 10(5) CFU/mL defining ASB.
• Serum creatinine, uric acid, and hematology were assessed; proteinuria was measured by dipstick.

Main Results:

• The prevalence of probable ASB was 10.9%, with confirmed ASB in 5.3% of patients.
• Females were significantly more likely to have confirmed ASB (14.7 times) than males.
• Confirmed ASB was associated with a 2.5-fold increase in symptomatic UTI visits, but not with altered renal function markers.

Conclusions:

• Asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) is a prevalent issue in sickle cell disease (SCD) patients.
• ASB may serve as a reservoir for pathogens causing symptomatic UTIs in SCD.
• Further investigation is required to elucidate the clinical significance and management of ASB in SCD.