Urine Culture for Bacteria and Fungi
Urine culture for bacteria and fungi is a bacteriological study aimed at detecting and identifying microorganisms causing urinary tract infections. This test allows determination of the type of bacteria or fungi, assessment of their quantity, and determination of sensitivity to antibiotics or antifungal drugs, which is important for choosing effective treatment.
What is urine culture?
- Culture is the process of growing microorganisms from a urine sample on special nutrient media in laboratory conditions.
- It allows detection of pathogenic and conditionally pathogenic bacteria, as well as fungi (e.g., Candida), which may cause inflammatory processes.
- Quantitative characteristics (colony count) are determined to differentiate infection from contamination.
- An antibiotic sensitivity test (antibiogram) is performed to identify the most effective drugs against the isolated microorganisms.
Indications for urine culture:
- Suspected urinary tract infection (cystitis, pyelonephritis, etc.).
- Recurrent or chronic urinary tract infections.
- Presence of inflammation symptoms: painful urination, frequent urges, cloudy or foul-smelling urine.
- Monitoring effectiveness of antibiotic therapy.
- Suspected fungal urinary tract infection.
- Preparation for surgical interventions on the urinary tract.
How to properly prepare for the test:
- Collect midstream morning urine into a sterile container.
- Prior to collection, thoroughly wash to minimize contamination by external microorganisms.
- It is not recommended to take the test during menstruation in women.
- Urine should be delivered to the laboratory as soon as possible, preferably within 2 hours after collection.
Features and interpretation of results:
- The presence of more than 10^4–10^5 bacterial colonies per 1 ml of urine usually indicates significant bacteriuria and infection.
- Isolation of conditionally pathogenic microorganisms requires assessment of clinical picture and other tests.
- A negative culture despite symptoms may indicate viral infection or other causes of inflammation.
- The antibiogram helps select the most effective drugs and avoid antibiotic resistance development.
Difference from general urine analysis:
General urine analysis evaluates physicochemical properties and microscopic sediment, where bacteria may be detected qualitatively but without identification and quantitative assessment. Urine culture is a separate, more precise and informative method necessary for accurate diagnosis and treatment selection.
Thus, urine culture for bacteria and fungi is an important diagnostic tool for detecting urinary tract infections, identifying the causative agent, and choosing appropriate treatment.