Urinalysis Findings among Pediatric Patients with Previously Diagnosed Escherichia Coli Urinary Tract Infections
Dhafer Rahman Abed Al-janabi
*
Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, College of Medical Technology, The Islamic University of Najaf, Najaf, Iraq and Al Hakeem Hospital, Najaf, Iraq.
Sumood Ibrahim Yahya
Najaf Health Department, Technical Affairs Department, Najaf, Iraq.
Safaa Sahib Jawad
Al Hakeem Hospital, Najaf, Iraq.
Raed Abd Ali Miran Shareef
Najaf Health Department, Director of Inspection Department, Najaf, Iraq.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common bacterial infections in children, with Escherichia coli being a major causative pathogen. Urinalysis is a simple and accessible laboratory investigation that provides useful information about urinary abnormalities associated with infection.
Objective: To assess the urinalysis characteristics of paediatric patients with Escherichia coli urinary tract infections and describe their distribution across different age groups.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 42 paediatric patients aged 3–15 years with Escherichia coli urinary tract infections. Participants were classified into three age groups: 3–6, 7–10, and 11–15 years. Demographic characteristics, including gender, residence, and age group, were recorded. Urine specimens were examined for pH, albumin, pus cells, epithelial cells, red blood cells (RBCs), amorphous deposits, bacteria, and other urinary findings. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and presented as frequencies and percentages.
Results: Of the 42 participants, 27 (64.3%) were males and 15 (35.7%) were females. Twenty-four (57.1%) participants were from urban areas, while 18 (42.9%) were from rural areas. The 3–6-year age group represented the largest proportion of participants (54.8%). All 42 participants had a previously documented diagnosis of Escherichia coli urinary tract infection. Acidic urine was predominant, occurring in 38 (90.5%) participants. Albumin was negative in 35 (83.3%) cases. Pus cells were detected at 1–10/HPF in 22 (52.4%) participants and at 10–30/HPF in 17 (40.5%). Epithelial cells were below 10/HPF in 38 (90.5%) cases. RBCs were detected in 27 (64.3%) participants, with 1–5/HPF being the most frequent category (45.2%). Amorphous deposits were below 10/HPF in 28 (66.7%) participants. Mucus and Monilia were observed in 33 (78.6%) and 29 (69.0%) participants, respectively.
Conclusion: The urinalysis findings demonstrated frequent urinary abnormalities among paediatric patients with Escherichia coli urinary tract infections, particularly acidic urine, pyuria, bacteriuria, and haematuria. These findings highlight the usefulness of routine urinalysis in describing the laboratory characteristics of paediatric urinary tract infections.
Keywords: Escherichia coli urinary tract infection, urinalysis, paediatric patients, pyuria, haematuria