PEDIATRICS Vol. 64 No. 4 October 1979, pp. 433-437
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Asymptomatic Bacteriuria in Adolescent Girls: I. Epidemiology

S. Jean Emans MD1, Estherann Grace MD1, and Robert P. Masland Jr MD1

1 Division of Adolescent Medicine, Children's Hospital Medical Center, and the Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston

Because the incidence of bacteriuria in asymptomatic school girls is low (1% to 2%), we examined possible risk factors in adolescents, such as previous history of urinary tract infection (UTI) and sexual intercourse (previous and recent).

Eight (1.6%) of 500 adolescent girls were detected with asymptomatic bacteriuria (ABU). Of 47 patients reporting a previous UTI, four (9%) were bacteriuric. Two other patients detected with bacteriuria had a history of enuresis; thus 6/8 adolescents with ABU had a history that suggests a need to screen for infection. A history of sexual activity was not helpful in case detection.

Of the 500 girls, 133 had a routine pelvic examination at the time of the visit. The procedure was not associated with bacteriuria, as measured by a home nitrite test each day for three days following the clinic visit.

Submitted on November 20, 1978
Accepted on February 5, 1979