Bacteriuria is a medical term that refers to the presence of bacteria in urine. It is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Although bacteriuria is not always a cause for concern, it can sometimes lead to serious health complications, especially if left untreated.
Definitions
Bacteriuria is defined as the presence of bacteria in the urine. The bacteria can be either symptomatic or asymptomatic. Symptomatic bacteriuria is characterized by the presence of symptoms such as painful urination, frequent urination, and cloudy urine. Asymptomatic bacteriuria, on the other hand, does not cause any symptoms.
Origin
The word bacteriuria comes from two Latin words: “bacterium” meaning bacteria, and “uria” meaning urine. The term was first used in the early 1900s by medical professionals to describe the presence of bacteria in urine.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, bacteriuria is defined as “the presence of bacteria in the urine”. The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “the presence of bacteria in the urine, which may indicate infection of the urinary tract.”
Associations
Bacteriuria is commonly associated with urinary tract infections (UTIs). UTIs occur when bacteria enter the urinary tract and multiply, causing an infection. Bacteriuria can also be a sign of other underlying health conditions, such as kidney stones, diabetes, or prostate problems.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for bacteriuria include bacterial urine, bacterial infection of the urinary tract, and urinary tract infection caused by bacteria.
Antonyms
There are no antonyms for bacteriuria.
The same root words
Some words that share the same root words as bacteriuria include bacteriology, bactericide, and bacteremia.
Example Sentences
- The doctor diagnosed the patient with bacteriuria after finding bacteria in their urine sample.
- Asymptomatic bacteriuria is common among pregnant women.
- The patient’s recurrent UTIs were caused by chronic bacteriuria.
- The nurse collected a urine sample to test for bacteriuria.
- Antibiotics are commonly used to treat symptomatic bacteriuria.