Group B Streptococcus: a cause of urinary tract infection in nonpregnant adults

Clin Infect Dis. 1992 Feb;14(2):492-6. doi: 10.1093/clinids/14.2.492.

Abstract

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a well-known cause of infection in the perinatal and puerperal periods, but its role as a urinary tract pathogen of adults in nonobstetric situations has not yet been defined. We carried out a prospective 19-month study of all nonpregnant adult patients with significant GBS bacteriuria. This microorganism accounted for 2% of positive urine cultures. Our series included 60 patients, 85% of whom were women and 95% of whom had at least one underlying condition. Urinary tract abnormalities (60%) and chronic renal failure (27%) were among the most frequent underlying problems. The infection was community acquired in 65% of cases. Clinical manifestations were related equally to the upper and the lower urinary tract (37% and 38% of cases, respectively). The clinical outcome was poor in 18% of episodes despite treatment. All isolates were sensitive to all antibiotics tested except gentamicin. We conclude that GBS is a significant urinary pathogen in nonpregnant adults and that its presence signals a need for screening for urinary tract abnormalities.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Bacteriuria / epidemiology
  • Bacteriuria / microbiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prospective Studies
  • Spain / epidemiology
  • Streptococcal Infections / epidemiology
  • Streptococcal Infections / microbiology*
  • Streptococcus agalactiae / isolation & purification*
  • Urinary Tract Infections / epidemiology
  • Urinary Tract Infections / microbiology*