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Prevalence of “low-count” bacteriuria in female urinary incontinence versus continent female controls: a cross-sectional study

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Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis

Older studies suggesting an association between detrusor overactivity and bacteriuria used an outdated microbiological threshold. We hypothesised that bacteriuria ≥103 CFU/ml would be more prevalent in women with urinary incontinence than continent controls.

Methods

A prospective, cross-sectional study of prevalence of bacteriuria ≥103 colony-forming units (CFU)/ml on catheter specimens. Sample estimates suggested 62 women per arm would yield 80% power. Multivariate regression analysis was performed using risk factors including, age, diabetes, menopausal status, sexual activity and cystocele.

Results

Among 213 participants, bacteriuria ≥103 CFU/ml was more prevalent in incontinent women than continent controls (odds ratio [OR] 4.06; p = 0.036). Two thirds of bacteriuric specimens grew “low-count” bacteriuria. On multivariate analysis, only cystocele ≥ grade II was independently associated with bacteriuria (p = 0.025). On sub-analysis by diagnosis, the only significant finding was with bladder oversensitivity (OR 13.8; p = 0.0017).

Conclusions

Bacteriuria, including “low-count” bacteriuria, is more prevalent in urinary incontinence when compared to continent female controls.

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Acknowledgements

We are grateful to Yue** A. Wang, Medical Statistician, School of Women’s and Children’s Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia for his help with statistical analysis. This study was funded by a 2010 IUGA Research Grant. Dr. Colin Walsh is partially funded by a University of New South Wales International Research Scholarship.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Urogynaecology, St George Hospital, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia

    Colin A. Walsh, Anne Siddins, Katrina Parkin & Kate H. Moore

  2. Department of Microbiology, St George Hospital, Sydney, Australia

    Chinmoy Mukerjee

Authors
  1. Colin A. Walsh
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  2. Anne Siddins
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  3. Katrina Parkin
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  4. Chinmoy Mukerjee
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  5. Kate H. Moore
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Kate H. Moore.

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Walsh, C.A., Siddins, A., Parkin, K. et al. Prevalence of “low-count” bacteriuria in female urinary incontinence versus continent female controls: a cross-sectional study. Int Urogynecol J 22, 1267–1272 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-011-1506-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-011-1506-0

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