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Establishment and Characterization of UTI and CAUTI in a Mouse Model
08:40

Establishment and Characterization of UTI and CAUTI in a Mouse Model

Published on: June 23, 2015

Streptococcus pneumoniae in urinary tracts of children with chronic kidney disease

Irene Burckhardt1, Stefan Zimmermann

  • 1Department for Infectious Diseases, Microbiology and Hygiene, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany. irene.burckhardt@med.uni-heidelberg.de

Emerging Infectious Diseases
|January 4, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Streptococcus pneumoniae rarely causes urinary tract infections. However, this study found high levels of S. pneumoniae in the urine of three children with pre-existing urinary tract abnormalities.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric infectious diseases
  • Urology
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Streptococcus pneumoniae is a common cause of pneumonia and meningitis.
  • It is not typically associated with urinary tract infections (UTIs).

Observation:

  • Three pediatric patients with underlying urinary tract abnormalities were identified.
  • These patients presented with significant bacteriuria (≥10⁴ CFU/mL) of S. pneumoniae.

Findings:

  • The presence of S. pneumoniae in urine, especially in high counts, can occur in children with structural urinary tract abnormalities.
  • Clinical presentations associated with S. pneumoniae UTIs can vary.

Implications:

  • This case series suggests S. pneumoniae should be considered in the differential diagnosis of UTIs in children with urinary tract abnormalities.
  • Further research is warranted to understand the pathogenesis and clinical significance of S. pneumoniae UTIs in this population.

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