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Haemophilus organisms: urinary tract pathogens in children?
Diagnostic Microbiology and Infectious Disease
|June 1, 1984
Summary
Routine urine cultures for Haemophilus species are not cost-effective. While 0.27% of specimens yielded these bacteria, and half were pathogens, further isolation efforts are not recommended.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Clinical Diagnostics
- Healthcare Economics
Background:
- Haemophilus species are known human pathogens.
- Their presence in urine can indicate infection.
- The clinical significance of isolating Haemophilus from urine requires evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of Haemophilus species in urine specimens.
- To assess the clinical significance and pathogenicity of these isolates.
- To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of routine urine cultures for Haemophilus.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of urine cultures from a pediatric referral center.
- Identification and characterization of isolated Haemophilus species.
- Cost-benefit analysis of diagnostic procedures.
Main Results:
- Haemophilus species were isolated from 0.27% of urine specimens.
- Approximately 50% of the isolated Haemophilus strains were identified as pathogens.
- Cost analysis indicated that routine isolation is not economically viable.
Conclusions:
- The incidence of Haemophilus in urine is low.
- While some isolates are pathogenic, routine screening is not cost-effective.
- Clinical laboratories should reconsider routine Haemophilus isolation from urine.