Open AccessAssociation between urinary crystals and bacterial flora in urinary tract infection suspected patients
Author(s) -
W. E. C. M. Abeysekara,
S. A. K. Kehelpannala,
K. R. Weerawansa,
A.M.B. Priyadarshani,
A.M.P.S. Arachchi
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
international journal of kiu
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2719-2369
pISSN - 2719-2350
DOI - 10.37966/ijkiu2021021010
Subject(s) - urinary system , urine , medicine , bacteria , calcium oxalate , microbiological culture , flora (microbiology) , population , kidney stones , physiology , gastroenterology , biology , genetics , environmental health
Urinary stones are an increasing clinical problem in Sri Lanka. It hasbeen reported that 1/10 individuals experience urinary stones, yet themechanisms responsible remain unknown. Bacteria have long beenrecognized to contribute to urinary crystals. However, the role ofbacteria in development of urinary crystals has not been extensivelyinvestigated. This study was carried out to investigate the associationbetween urinary bacteria flora and urinary crystals in patients withsymptoms of urinary tract infections (UTI). Forty five UTI suspectedpatients were enrolled in the study. Mid-stream urine specimens werecollected and cultured on Hi-Chrome UTI culture media. Culture plateswere incubated at 37 ºC for 18-24 hours. Colony appearance and colonycount were recorded and this was followed by urinary crystal count bycrystal concentration technique. The Fisher’s exact test was carried outto determine the association between urine crystals and presence ofurinary bacterial flora. Out of 45 subjects, 29 were positive for urinarycrystals, where 14 were females and 15 were males. Nineteen patientswere culture positive while 18 were positive for both crystals andculture. The patients between 30-40 years showed a higher possibilityto have urinary crystals and organisms. Predominant crystal type andorganism detected were calcium oxalate and coliforms, respectively.Male patients in 30-40 years presented with a higher crystalconcentration compared to other males. All female patients, between30-40 years, who were positive for coliforms and presented with highercrystal concentration compared to other females in the studypopulation. A significant association (p <0.001) was observed betweenpresence of urinary crystals and bacterial flora in UTI suspectedpatients.