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Bacterial flora in urine: these are the reference values

Friend,

surely you must have had some general follow-up examinations to make sure that everything was okay, and among these, there will probably have been urine tests.

Maybe you picked up the report, read that there were traces of bacterial flora and wondered what it meant.

Nothing serious. In this article I will try to dispel your doubts, and start by telling you what values are considered ‘normal’ when it comes to bacterial flora in urine.

Bacterial flora and bacteriuria: here’s when not to worry and when to take prompt action

Bacterial flora: here are the normal reference values

When you go for a urine test to detect the presence of bacterial load, you should test negative because urine, unlike feces, is sterile.

This happens when the measured values are less than 100,000 CFU (Colony Forming Units, hence bacteria) per milliliter.

If the value is in the range of 10,000-100,000 CFU/ml, then the result is considered ‘doubtful,’ while the outcome is positive if the 100,000 CFU/ml is exceeded.

So, now you must be wondering what happens if the value is too high, am I right? Well, my dear reader, the time has come to talk about bacteriuria.

 

Elevated bacterial flora: when bacteriuria is a problem

We said that having some bacterial flora in the urine is quite normal, as long as the value does not exceed the threshold of 100,000 CFU/ml.

When this happens we speak of bacteriuria, which is the presence of bacteria in excessive amounts.

But how does it manifest itself?

Let’s say bacteriuria can be asymptomatic or associated with urinary tract infections, such as bacterial cystitis.

In this case, it will be necessary to undergo additional tests, such as urinoculture, so as to accurately detect bacteria in the urine through the analysis of a sample.

Before going any further, however, I would like to make a point.

If yours is an asymptomatic bacteriuria problem, you still should not underestimate it because it could turn into quite serious urinary (or even kidney) infections!

Having said that, let’s get on with it! 👇🏻

SOS infection! 🚨 What are the symptoms?

Of course, since we are talking about urinary tract infections, it must be said that they are not as pleasant as a walk in a flowery field.

So let’s review the most common symptoms:

  • You constantly feel like peeing, especially at night;
  • despite the frequency and urgency, you never feel like you have completely emptied your bladder;
  • During urination you experience discomfort and burning;
  • You have pain in the pelvic area.

However, if you do not show any symptoms, you may not notice an increase in bacterial flora until after the urine test.

But what are the consequences if action is not taken in time?

Let’s say that UTIs (urinary tract infections) can affect:

  1. the urethra, and in this case it will be called urethritis;
  2. bladder, which can lead to cystitis;
  3. kidneys, resulting in the development of pyelonephritis.

Read also: Cystitis and bladder endometriosis are often confused, but there is a way to recognize them

Why are we women more at risk of infection? 🤔

This type of infection affects women already at a young age, and the main reason is related to the fact that our urethra has a more limited length than that of men, so it is easier for, for example, feces, laden with bacteria, to contaminate the area.

But that is not all.

During pregnancy, the likelihood of infection increases due to dilation of the ureter, which leads to decreased urine flow and consequent increase in bacterial load.

Finally, another element that should not be underestimated is the presence of microorganisms that alter the bacterial flora.

I am talking about the now well-known E. coli, and I say well-known because we have talked about it over and over again in relation to cystitis. You have no idea how many women have to fight against this ‘nice’ bacteria! 🦠

E. coli is found in our intestines and is absolutely essential. But when this decides to take a walk along our urethra, it automatically becomes an unwanted guest.

In fact, the bacterium moves from the anus to the genital area, colonizing the urinary tract in situations of:

  • Constipation.
  • Poor genital hygiene;
  • Depletion of bacterial flora.

By colonize, I really mean that it divides and attacks the walls of the urinary tract.

But before you panic, wait!

There is a solution, and it is our Dimann brand product, Dimann Puro, which takes advantage of the therapeutic properties of D-mannose.

It is a plant-derived monosaccharide that prevents Escherichia coli from ‘sticking’ to bladder cells, thus allowing the bacterium to be expelled.

If you think you have a cystitis problem and don’t know how to solve it, tell me your story, I would be glad to help you!

A hug!

Lorenza

Today’s article in a nutshell

  • Normal values of bacterial flora should be less than 100,000 CFU/ml.
  • If the urine test is positive (> 100,000 CFU/ml), then it is bacteriuria.
  • One of the main consequences of urinary tract infections is bacterial cystitis, often related to the presence of undesirable microorganisms such as E. coli.

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