USE OF URINE DIPSTICK TEST FOR RAPID SCREENING OF URINARY TRACT INFECTION IN CHILDREN
Anzeen Nazir Kanth, Azhar Ajaz Khan, Suhail Masood Khan*, Aymen Masood Khan and Haider Rashid Guroo
ABSTRACT
Microscopy and culture of correctly obtained urine specimens are normally used to confirm the diagnosis of UTI; however, in many resource-poor countries, this is frequently not possible due to a lack of resources and other constraints. Because UTIs can cause major problems if not detected and treated early, this study was conducted to determine the clinical significance of the Leukocyte Esterase (LE) enzyme as a diagnostic tool for screening of Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) in resource-poor countries. The cross-sectional study included 250 asymptomatic kids (120 men and 130 females) from a tertiary care Hospital in North India. Computer-assisted random sampling methods were used to pick the subjects. Standard laboratory techniques were followed to collect, store, transport, culture, and analyse urine specimens, while leukocyte esterase (LE) dipsticks were employed as a screening tool for UTI, with results compared to culture positive findings. Significant bacteriuria was detected in 14 (5.6%) of the students, with Escherichia coii (42.9%), Proteus mirabiiis (21.5%), and Klebsiella pneumoniae (14.5%) being the most prevalent bacteria recovered (2). In 10 of 14 verified UTIs, the leukocyte esterase dipstick test properly revealed a positive urine culture (71.4 percent). The positive and negative predictive values, respectively, were 25 and 98.1 percent. Though it has limitations in detecting UTI when compared to culture techniques, the leukocyte esterase test is nevertheless effective in places where there are no facilities or staff to do urine culture. The test is suggested for use in low-result populations, although urine culture should be performed whenever possible.
Keywords: Children, leukocyte esterase, screening, urinary tract infection.
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