Biomarkers for urinary tract infection: present and future perspectives
Tej K Mattoo1,2,3, John David Spencer4,5
1Pediatric Nephrologist, Wayne Pediatrics, Detroit, MI, USA. Tmattoo@med.wayne.edu.
Pediatric Nephrology (Berlin, Germany)
|March 14, 2024
Summary
Accurate diagnosis of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in children is crucial. Emerging biomarkers like procalcitonin (PCT) and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) show promise for faster, more precise UTI detection.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nephrology
- Clinical Microbiology
- Biomarker Discovery
Background:
- Prompt diagnosis of urinary tract infections (UTIs) is essential to reduce symptoms and complications.
- Current diagnostic methods, including urine test strips and microscopy, have limited accuracy.
- Urine culture, the definitive UTI diagnosis, requires 2-3 days for results, highlighting a need for improved biomarkers in children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review existing urinary tract infection (UTI) biomarkers.
- To highlight emerging biomarkers for rapid and accurate UTI diagnosis in pediatric patients.
- To discuss the clinical utility and future research directions for novel UTI biomarkers.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of current and emerging biomarkers for UTI diagnosis.
- Analysis of the diagnostic value and clinical applicability of biomarkers such as procalcitonin (PCT) and urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL).
Main Results:
- Blood procalcitonin (PCT) offers diagnostic benefits and can be considered when blood tests are already performed.
- Urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) shows significant potential but requires further research for clinical implementation, including point-of-care testing.
- Emerging biomarkers may improve UTI diagnosis accuracy and speed.
Conclusions:
- Novel biomarkers like PCT and NGAL hold promise for enhancing UTI diagnosis in children.
- Further research is needed to optimize the use of NGAL, particularly for point-of-care applications.
- Implementing these biomarkers could lead to improved UTI management, reduced antibiotic use, and fewer complications.
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