Urine tract infections in babies

Under 3 months:
Babies under 3 months can have the following symptoms.
1. Failure to thrive
2. Fever
3. Vomiting
4. Irritability


This situation needs to be dealt with urgently. Urine samples will need to be sent off for cultures.
3 months to 3 years:
All babies with specific or non specific symptoms will need the have their urine sent of for culture.

Older than 3 years:


All babies older than 3 years with specific or non specific symptoms need their urine tests with a urine Dipstick test. The clinician will look at the number of leucocytes and nitrites within your baby's urine sample.
1. Positive leucocytes & nitrite, is most probably a urine tract infection and needs antibiotic and urine sent off as culture.
2. Positive leucocytes & negative nitrite, may not a urine tract infection and needs urine cultures and further causes excluded. Treat with Antibiotics if symptoms are there.
3. Positive nitrites & negative leucocytes, is probably a urine tract infection and will need the appropriate Antibiotic therapy.
4. Negative nitrites & negative leucocytes, is unlikely to be a urine tract infection, so your clinicians will need to explore further for causes.


All these over 3 year babies will need transfer to a hospital if
1. Recurrent urine tract infections
2. Systemic illness or pyelonephritis
3. No response to treatment after 24 to 48 hours