Treated asymptomatic bacteriuria during first year after renal transplantation

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Transplantation Medicine
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are prevalent in renal transplant (RTx) recipients.
• Asymptomatic bacteriuria (AB) is the most common form of UTI in this population.
• The role of AB as a risk factor for symptomatic UTIs requires clarification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if asymptomatic bacteriuria (AB) is a risk factor for symptomatic urinary tract infections (UTIs) in renal transplant (RTx) recipients.
• To identify risk factors associated with developing AB post-RTx.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of clinical data and urine cultures from 209 RTx patients within 12 months post-transplant.
• Retrospective review of data collected between January 2007 and December 2009.
• Identification of uropathogens and assessment of risk factors for AB and symptomatic UTIs.

Main Results:

• 170 AB episodes occurred in 83 patients, representing 53% of all diagnosed UTIs.
• Enterococcus faecium and Escherichia coli were the most common pathogens.
• Female gender, ATG induction, comorbidities, prior rejection, and CMV infection were risk factors for AB.

Conclusions:

• Asymptomatic bacteriuria (AB) is a frequent occurrence in renal transplant (RTx) recipients.
• AB episodes are an independent risk factor for subsequent symptomatic UTIs.
• The clinical impact and optimal management of AB in RTx patients warrant further study.