Diagnosis
Quantitative MSSU culture is the only gold standard for diagnosis of ALL suspected urinary
tract infections
Asymptomatic bacteriuria
> 100,000 bacteria / mL with < 20 white cells, generally indicates asymptomatic bacteriuria
A count > 100,000, with 2 or more organisms, indicates a contamination rather than
bacteriuria
Acute cystitis
In addition to midstream MSSU, clinical diagnosis is based on symptoms such as:
Dysuria, urinary frequency, strangury
Lower abdominal pain or supra-pubic pain without fever
Pyuria may also be present
Pyelonephritis
Pyelonephritis usually presents as an acute episode. In addition to midstream MSSU, clinical
diagnosis should include:
Full maternal clinical history and examination
Assessment of fetal wellbeing
Blood cultures (aerobic and anaerobic)
Low and high vaginal swabs
Complete blood count, renal function test including creatinine, urea and electrolytes
Urinalysis for proteinuria
Women with pyelonephritis often have pyuria or leukocyte casts
Symptoms include:
Pyrexia, chills, rigor
Flank or renal angle pain
Nausea and vomiting
Usually dehydration
Less commonly dysuria, frequency
Fetal tachycardia may also be present
Treatment
Intravenous antibiotic treatment should be guided by urine culture and sensitivity reports
A seven day course is normally sufficient, however, shortest possible treatment is
associated with better fetal outcomes 9
Increase fluid intake (may require intravenous fluids if clinically dehydrated)
Monitor urine output to assess complete emptying of the bladder (assists antimicrobial
treatment)
Urinary alkalisers are safe in pregnancy, however they should not be used in combination
with nitrofurantoin as it can result in a loss of treatment efficacy