What diseases can be detected through a urine culture?

Generally, urine culture refers to a diagnostic method that involves culturing bacteria present in normal urine, effectively eliminating interference from external bacteria and accurately detecting the presence of bacteria in the urine. This helps in diagnosing infectious diseases of the urinary system. Urine culture can detect conditions such as urethritis, ureteritis, vaginitis, prostatitis, and pyelonephritis. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Urethritis

Urine culture can detect whether pathogens causing urethritis, such as Escherichia coli and Neisseria gonorrhoeae, are present in the urine. Through urine culture, doctors can identify the type of pathogen responsible for urethritis, thus guiding treatment.

2. Ureteritis

Ureteritis is a type of urinary tract infection, typically presenting symptoms such as frequent urination, urgency, and painful urination. Urine culture can help doctors determine whether ureteritis is present by detecting bacteria in the urine and identifying the type of pathogen involved.

3. Vaginitis

Vaginitis is a common gynecological condition. If it occurs alongside a urinary tract infection, urine culture can detect related pathogens such as Escherichia coli and Neisseria gonorrhoeae. These pathogens may cause inflammation of both the vagina and urinary tract. Urine culture enables doctors to identify the type of pathogen involved, thus formulating a more appropriate treatment plan.

4. Prostatitis

Prostatitis is a common urinary system disease in men, characterized by symptoms such as frequent urination, urgency, painful urination, and perineal pain. Urine culture provides evidence of urinary tract infection, helping doctors determine whether prostatitis is present. By detecting bacteria in the urine, doctors can identify the type of pathogen involved.

5. Pyelonephritis

Pyelonephritis is an infectious inflammation affecting the renal pelvis and kidney tissue, usually caused by bacterial infection. Urine culture can confirm the presence of pathogens causing pyelonephritis, such as Escherichia coli. The presence of these pathogens leads to inflammation of the renal pelvis and kidney tissue, manifesting as flank pain, fever, frequent urination, urgency, and other symptoms.

Before collecting a urine sample, the external genital area should be thoroughly cleaned. Women should also ensure they wash from front to back to prevent contamination of the sample by intestinal bacteria.