A 16-month analysis of urinary tract infection in children.

Results of the examination of urine specimens with evidence of acute urinary tract infections from children aged 16 years and under in general practice were analysed during a period of 16 months. Infections were much commoner in girls than in boys, with Escherichia coli most frequently involved in both groups. Urinary tract infections caused by Proteus strains were predominantly associated with boys. Infections in girls showed a higher incidence at 3, 6 and 16 years of age. Possible reasons for these sex- and age-associated patterns of infection are discussed. It is suggested than an important factor in the prevention of urinary tract infections in young girls is proper supervision of school lavatories. The report illustrates how much useful information can be obtained from the analysis of diagnostic results based on a simple but thorough laboratory approach.