PREVALENCE OF URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS IN CHILDREN

Abstract

Introduction. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) in children are a frequently encountered pathology in medical practice, occupying the third place in the infectious etiology of this category of patients, after those of the digestive and respiratory tracts. This study assessed the prevalence of urinary tract infections among different subgroups of children. This knowledge may help clinicians to select children for further diagnostic tests.

Material and methods. A secondary, narrative synthesis study. Information was searched in international electronic databases including Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Search terms included “urinary tract infection”, “cystitis”, “pyelonephritis”, “prevalence” and “incidence”. Of the 51 articles with UTI prevalence data, 18 met all inclusion criteria. The reference period was the years 2019-2024. Research methods used: descriptive, analytical.

Results. The frequency of UTIs in pediatrics varies by age, race, ethnicity, gender, and circumcision status. In the first year of life, it is more common in boys (3.7%) compared to girls, (2%), and after infancy, it is significantly more prevalent in girls. School-age girls have an incidence rate of UTI of 1-3%, and once they start sexual activity, this increases to 10%. Asymptomatic bacteriuria is more common in school-age girls (3%) and newborn boys (1%).

Conclusions. Prevalence estimates can help clinicians make informed decisions about diagnostic testing in children presenting with signs and symptoms of urinary tract infection.