BACKGROUND: Detection of antibacterial activity in urine is important for the diagnosis of urinary tract infections and for assessment of patient compliance with antibiotic therapy. METHOD: Urines of paediatric inpatients were examined by the Bacillus subtilis agar diffusion test and two commercial test strips (Micur BT and Urotest AB). RESULTS: 566 urines of 431 patients were examined. The B. subtilis agar diffusion test was the most reliable method (accuracy 98.8%). Micur BT showed a comparatively low specificity (87.6%) and Urotest AB had a comparatively low sensitivity (86.0%). CONCLUSION: The B. subtilis agar diffusion test is the most reliable method for detection of antibacterial activity in the urine of children.
BACKGROUND: Detection of antibacterial activity in urine is important for the diagnosis of urinary tract infections and for assessment of patient compliance with antibiotic therapy. METHOD: Urines of paediatric inpatients were examined by the Bacillus subtilis agar diffusion test and two commercial test strips (Micur BT and Urotest AB). RESULTS: 566 urines of 431 patients were examined. The B. subtilis agar diffusion test was the most reliable method (accuracy 98.8%). Micur BT showed a comparatively low specificity (87.6%) and Urotest AB had a comparatively low sensitivity (86.0%). CONCLUSION: The B. subtilis agar diffusion test is the most reliable method for detection of antibacterial activity in the urine of children.