[Significant bacteriuria in cats: urinary tract infection and subclinical bacteriuria - A current review]

Urinary tract infection (UTI) refers to the adherence and multiplication of an infectious agent within the urinary system. In 8-19 % of cats with clinical signs of lower urinary tract disease, bacterial UTI is identified as a cause. Subclinical bacteriuria is defined as the isolation of a significant number of bacteria in a urine specimen obtained from a patient without symptoms related to UTI. Subclinical bacteriuria has been reported in 1-29 % of cats. The most commonly isolated pathogen in feline urine is Escherichia coli. Other frequently isolated microorganisms are Streptococcus species (spp.), Enterococcus spp. and Staphylococcus spp. Antimicrobials are frequently used to treat UTIs. To prevent the development of antibiotic resistance, results of urine culture and susceptibility testing should be first obtained and antimicrobials with a narrow spectrum of activity should be used. Currently, there is insufficient evidence as to whether subclinical bacteriuria in cats should be treated or not. However, treatment of subclinical bacteriuria is only recommended in patients with an increased risk of ascending infections.