Treatment:

Not all patients with asymptomatic bacteriuria respond to treatment or even need treatment. Pregnant women, kidney transplant recipients, children with vesicoureteral reflux, and people with infected kidney stones appear to be more likely to benefit from treatment with antibiotics.

In addition, if asymptomatic bacteriuria is found prior to a urological procedure, it should be treated to prevent complications of the procedure. The course of treatment in these cases depends on the person's risk factors.

Expectations (prognosis):

Most individuals with asymptomatic bacteriuria who do not have risk factors for complications do extremely well, and do not have any increased rates of symptomatic infections or decrease in kidney function.

The prognosis for treatment in the high-risk group category is good if the infection is detected early, but the outlook depends on the person's underlying conditions or illnesses.

Complications:

Individuals in high-risk groups have a significant risk of progressing to a true kidney infection if the bacteriuria is not treated. In certain cases, such as renal transplant recipients, kidney infection may lead to loss of kidney function.

Calling your health care provider:

If you have been told you have asymptomatic bacteriuria and you are in a high-risk group for complications, notify your health care provider. Also, if you begin to develop fever, have difficulty emptying your bladder, feel pain with urination, or have flank or back pain -- notify your health care provider. You will need to be evaluated for a bladder or kidney infection.