Definition
A urinary tract infection in a baby is a bacterial infection of the urinary tract, which includes the urethra, bladder, ureter and kidney. In common parlance, the disease is usually referred to as cystitis. A urinary tract infection has classic symptoms, but atypical symptoms are also possible in babies.
Infancy is one of the two high points in the occurrence of urinary tract infections. Girls are more frequently affected than boys. Especially very young babies may need hospital treatment for urinary tract infections.
Causes
The cause of a urinary tract infection in a baby is a bacterial infection. The group of Enterobacteriaceae should be mentioned here in particular. In 80% of cases, a urinary tract infection is caused by the bacterium E. coli.
The bacteria, which come from the intestine, get from the anus into the area of the urethra, e.g. through incorrect wiping after defecation or incorrect washing. From the urethra, the pathogens can ascend into the bladder and other urinary tracts. Since girls have a short urethra, the risk of a urinary tract infection is higher than in boys.
Malformations of the efferent urinary tract, such as a narrowing of the ureter, can promote urinary tract infections. The malformations lead to incomplete emptying of the bladder and backflow of urine. A urinary tract infection in babies should always be seen as an indication of a possible malformation. Children who have a bladder catheter for various reasons have an increased risk of getting a urinary tract infection.
Diagnosis
If a urinary tract infection is suspected in the baby, a pediatrician should always be consulted. This doctor can collect a urine sample and examine it. There are special adhesive urine bags that can be stuck into the diaper.
Alternatively, parents can bring a urine sample from home in a clean container. A urine stick is used to determine the white blood cells (leukocytes), red blood cells (erythrocytes), protein and nitrite in the urine. A culture can also be made from the urine to grow bacteria.
Especially in babies, a urinary tract infection can indicate a malformation in the area of the draining urinary tract. Therefore an ultrasound of the urinary tract can be performed. If signs of a malformation are detected, further diagnostics should be performed. If the general condition of the child is poor, the blood can also be examined and the inflammation values and blood count checked.
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