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Screening for bacteriuria in Malaysian school children
1Department of Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, University Science Malaysia, Kelantan.
Insights
This study screened 44,816 Malaysian school children for asymptomatic bacteriuria, finding a prevalence of 0.12%. Early detection of this common bacterial infection is crucial for preventing kidney damage in children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common bacterial infections, particularly in children.
- Screening for asymptomatic bacteriuria is recommended to prevent serious kidney complications like pyelonephritis and renal scarring.
- No prior studies have established the prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria in Malaysian school children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria among healthy school children in Kelantan, Malaysia.
- To establish baseline data for future public health initiatives regarding childhood UTIs in Malaysia.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional screening study was conducted involving 44,816 healthy school children (23,132 boys, 21,684 girls) across three districts in Kelantan.
- Children were screened for bacteriuria, with a second screening conducted.
- Data on prevalence was collected and analyzed.
Main Results:
- The overall prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria after the second screening was found to be 0.12%.
- This prevalence is lower compared to findings reported in other international studies.
- The study provides the first data on asymptomatic bacteriuria prevalence in this Malaysian population.
Conclusions:
- The prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria in healthy school children in Kelantan, Malaysia is low (0.12%).
- Further research may be needed to understand regional variations and risk factors.
- These findings contribute to the understanding of pediatric UTIs in Malaysia.
Abstract:
Urinary tract infection is the most common of bacterial infections. Screening children for asymptomatic bacteriuria to prevent pyelonephritis and renal scarring is widely recommended. In Malaysia no such attempt has been made to establish the prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria. Bacteriuria was screened among 44,816 healthy school children from three different districts in Kelantan. There were 23,132 boys and 21,684 girls. The prevalence of bacteriuria was 0.12% after second screening. Higher prevalence was seen in other reports.