Original Articles

Study on Prevalence, Clinical Profile, Risk Factors and Laboratory Parameters of Urinary Tract Infection in Children Admitted with Fever in Pediatric Ward of a Tertiary Care Centre in Central Kerala, India

Abstract

Background:   Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common bacterial illness in febrile infants and young children, with a prevalence of 4.1% to 7.5%. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent long-term complications, especially in children under two years. This study aimed to assess the prevalence, clinical profile, and risk factors of UTI in febrile children admitted to a tertiary care center and analyze the culture and sensitivity patterns of causative organisms.

Methods:   A prospective study was conducted at Jubilee Mission Medical College, Thrissur, over 18 months, enrolling 504 febrile children aged over one month. Urine samples were analyzed using standard methods, with culture as the gold standard for UTI diagnosis. Exclusion criteria included lack of consent, absence of urine analysis, and treatment discontinuation. Routine investigations were performed for all UTI patients, with specialized imaging reserved for selected cases. Data obtained were statistically analysed.

Results:   The prevalence of UTI among febrile children was 11.3% (p<0.000). The mean age was 2.57 years (SD 1.64), with most cases in children aged 1–5 years and a female predominance. Common risk factors included constipation, phimosis, poor hygiene, diaper usage, and worm infestation. Clinical features included pain during micturition (68.4%), vomiting (22.8%), and decreased urine output (7%). E. coli (87.7%) was the most common causative organism, sensitive to most antibiotics.

Conclusion:   The significant prevalence of UTI in febrile children requires high clinical suspicion, prompt evaluation, and awareness to prevent renal complications.

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IssueVol 13 No 3 (2025) QRcode
SectionOriginal Articles
Keywords
Clinical profile Prevalence Risk factors Urinary tract infection.
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1.
Pradeep P, T M S, Santhakumar R, Mathew J. Study on Prevalence, Clinical Profile, Risk Factors and Laboratory Parameters of Urinary Tract Infection in Children Admitted with Fever in Pediatric Ward of a Tertiary Care Centre in Central Kerala, India. J Med Bacteriol. 2025;13(3):8-17.