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Colorimetric method for rapid determination of bacteriuria

C Wallis, J L Melnick, C J Longoria

Journal of Clinical Microbiology

|September 1, 1981

Summary

A new colorimetric test accurately detects bacteriuria (bacterial infection in urine) without requiring bacterial growth. This rapid, inexpensive method quantifies bacteria, even in patients on antibiotics, offering a reliable diagnostic tool.

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Area of Science:

Clinical diagnostics
Microbiology
Urology

Background:

Bacteriuria diagnosis typically relies on urine culture, which requires bacterial growth and can be inhibited by antibiotics.
Rapid and accurate detection of bacteriuria is crucial for timely treatment, especially in antibiotic-treated patients.

Purpose of the Study:

To describe and evaluate an inexpensive, rapid, and simple colorimetric test for the detection and quantification of bacteriuria.
To assess the test's performance in patients receiving antibiotic therapy.

Main Methods:

A 1 ml urine sample is filtered to trap bacteria.
Bacteria are stained with safranine dye, and differential decolorization is applied.
Color change on the filter disk indicates bacterial presence (≥10^5 colony-forming units/ml).

Main Results:

The colorimetric test demonstrated 98% accuracy in classifying urine specimens with ≥10^5 colony-forming units/ml.
The test correctly identified 59 out of 62 positive urine specimens (95.2% sensitivity).
Apparent false-positives in antibiotic-treated patients were resolved by demonstrating inhibited bacterial growth in culture.

Conclusions:

The described colorimetric test is a rapid, inexpensive, and accurate method for detecting bacteriuria.
It is particularly advantageous for quantifying bacteria in patients undergoing antibiotic treatment.
The test provides a permanent record and can differentiate Gram-positive from Gram-negative bacteria.

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