Asymptomatic Bacteriuria with Escherichia coli in Type 2 Diabetic Patients: An Unresolved Riddle

Asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) is a common finding, but there is a considerable controversy about the appropriate management of bacteriuria. ASB was found to be three times higher in patients with diabetes, especially in women when compared to non-diabetic counterpart. Asymptomatic bacteriuria is the presence of bacteria in the urine presenting without any clinical symptoms of UTI. The objective of this review is to highlight the studies done on ASB in diabetes patients with special reference to Escherichia coli (E. coli), risk factors and its management. The review showed that increasing age, females, post-menopausal status, poor glycaemic control, long duration of diabetes, microalbuminuria, leukocyturia ,poor hygiene were associated with ASB. Available literature does not support the use of antibiotics, however short term trials have shown benefit with topical esteriol. Further clinical trials are needed.