THE GLUTARALDEHYDE-FIXED CYTOCENTRIFUGE-PREPARED URINE SEDIMENT IN THE EVALUATION OF URINARY TRACT INFECTION. The Significance of Pyuria

During antibiotic-treated urinary tract infection in non-catheterized geriatric inpatients, bacteriuria disappeared within 1-2 days. Pyuria, on the other hand, disappeared within 4-7 days. After withdrawal of antibiotic therapy, bacteriuria reappeared quicker than pyuria. It is suggested that the time lag between bacteriuria and pyuria is due to the fact that bacteriuria reflects bacterial invasion into the urinary tract, whereas pyuria reflects the inflammatory response of the urinary tract.