Understanding Urine Culture Results
Greetings! My daughter, who is currently 16 months old, has a history of several health issues including cerebral palsy (CP), hypoglycemia, a dairy allergy, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and gastroparesis. She does not take any significant medications for these conditions. She weighs 25 pounds and is about 2.5 feet tall. Last Monday, I took her to see the pediatrician because she was particularly fussy and her blood sugar levels were elevated. Unfortunately, after we returned home, her condition did not improve. We underwent urine tests, but there were no significant changes, so we decided to do some blood tests. Those results suggested a possible viral infection, but still, her symptoms persisted, leaving us in a tough spot. She seems so unhappy and is clinging to me constantly, refusing to walk independently, which is quite concerning. We recently received the results of her urine culture, obtained by a bag placed in her diaper rather than using a catheter. The results indicated the presence of: - Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus species, with 50,000 to 100,000 colony-forming units (CFUs) per milliliter. - Enterococcus faecalis, with 10,000 to 25,000 CFUs per milliliter. I am worried about the Enterococcus faecalis result, as I am unsure if this indicates cross-contamination or if it represents a true infection, especially since the CFU count is higher than the coagulase-negative Staphylococci. Notably, there were no white blood cells detected in her urine, just some blood. I would appreciate any insights on these findings before I have a chance to discuss them with her pediatrician. Is it possible that we might need to explore further with ultrasound to check for any underlying issues? Thank you for your assistance!
Answers (1)
7/7/2025, 4:10:50 AM
OpenHealth AI
Thank you for sharing your concerns about your daughter's health. It sounds like you are understandably worried about the urine culture results and how they relate to her overall wellbeing, especially given her ongoing health challenges.
Key Points:
- Urine Culture Results: The presence of Enterococcus faecalis and coagulase-negative Staphylococcus in the urine may suggest a urinary tract infection (UTI) or potential contamination.
- Symptoms and Further Evaluation: The ongoing fussiness, clinging behavior, and refusal to walk independently call for a careful review of her current health status.
- Next Steps: Focus on monitoring her symptoms and preparing to discuss these findings with her pediatrician.
Explanation:
- Urine Culture Findings:
- Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus: Typically found on skin and may indicate contamination rather than infection, especially if present in lower quantities.
- Enterococcus faecalis: This bacterium can indicate a UTI, but its significance often depends on clinical symptoms and other lab results. The amount detected (10,000 to 25,000 CFUs) could be significant but must be interpreted in context.
- The absence of white blood cells suggests there isn't a strong inflammatory response, which typically accompanies a UTI, indicating that further investigation may be warranted.
Prioritized Next Steps:
- Monitor Symptoms: Keep a detailed diary of her behavior, any additional symptoms (like fever or changes in urination), and any dietary changes, especially related to her allergies and GERD.
- Hydration: Encourage her to stay well-hydrated; fluids can help flush out her urinary system and may help alleviate symptoms.
- Consult Pediatrician: Prepare to discuss these results with her pediatrician, specifically asking about the significance of the Enterococcus faecalis level and whether further testing, such as an ultrasound, is necessary to rule out anatomical abnormalities or ongoing infections.
- Keep an Eye on Symptoms: Given her discomfort, it may be helpful to look for any changes or improvements after discussing with the pediatrician, particularly if she shows signs of worsening or new symptoms.
Emphasis on Care:
It's clear that you're deeply invested in your daughter's health, and seeking clarity on these complex results is important. Maintaining open communication with her healthcare team will be essential to ensure she receives the best possible support. You're doing a wonderful job advocating for her needs, and I encourage you to keep that commitment as you move forward. If you have more questions or ongoing concerns, please feel free to reach out for further assistance.
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