From the Guidelines
Yes, bacteria can be present in urine due to kidney stones, as they can create an environment that promotes bacterial growth and urinary tract infections. Kidney stones, particularly those composed of struvite or calcium carbonate apatite, are often associated with urinary tract infections caused by urea-splitting organisms, such as Proteus, Klebsiella, and Pseudomonas 1. These stones can provide a nidus for bacterial colonization and proliferation, leading to recurrent infections. The presence of bacteria within the stone itself, as well as in the urine, can make treatment challenging and increase the risk of complications like sepsis or kidney damage.
When kidney stones block the normal flow of urine, they can cause urine to stagnate, creating an ideal environment for bacteria to multiply. Additionally, kidney stones can damage the urinary tract lining, making it easier for bacteria to attach and colonize. Common bacteria associated with kidney stone-related infections include E. coli, Proteus, Klebsiella, and Pseudomonas. If you have kidney stones and suspect an infection (symptoms include fever, chills, cloudy or foul-smelling urine, and increased pain), seek medical attention immediately. Treatment typically involves antibiotics appropriate for the specific bacteria, adequate hydration, and addressing the underlying stones through medical or surgical intervention, as recommended by guidelines such as those from the American Urological Association 1.
It's essential to note that recurrent urinary tract infections can be a sign of an underlying issue, such as kidney stones, and should be investigated further. Imaging studies may be necessary to detect any anatomical abnormalities or underlying conditions that may be contributing to the infections, particularly in patients with complicated UTIs or those who do not respond to treatment 1. In such cases, a thorough evaluation and appropriate management can help prevent long-term complications and improve quality of life.
From the Research
Presence of Bacteria in Urine due to Kidney Stones
- Bacteria can be present in urine due to kidney stones, as kidney stones can cause urinary tract infections (UTIs) or be a result of UTIs 2, 3.
- Infected kidney stones refer to stones that form because of UTIs with urease-producing bacteria, or stones that obstruct the urinary tract leading to pyelonephritis 2.
- The relationship between urinary stones and UTIs shows two different clinical pictures: (1) stones that develop following UTIs (infection stones), and (2) stones complicated by UTIs (stones with infection) 3.
- Studies have found that women with a history of kidney stones may have bacteriuria resistant to certain antibiotics, such as nitrofurantoin 4.
- Bacteria have been found to contribute to the development of urinary stones, including struvite, calcium oxalate, and calcium phosphate stones 5, 6.
- The presence of bacteria in urinary stones can be detected through urinalysis and urine culture, and treatment of the infection is essential to prevent recurrence 3, 6.
- Surgery is the mainstay of treatment for infection calculi, with the goal of stone clearance, and various strategies can be employed to minimize the risk of recurrence 6.