Evaluation of Leukocyte Esterase Dipstick Test in the Diagnosis of Urinary tract Infection in children

Abstract

Summary: In a prospective study of urinary tract infection (UTI) in 85 children (51 males and 34 females), urine specimens were evaluated by culture, microscopy and leukocyte esterase dipstick test. Positive urine cultures with significant bacteriuria were found in 21 samples (24.7 percent). Urine microscopy for leukocyturia correctly identified positive urine cultures in 9 of 21 samples, giving a sensitivity of 42.9 percent. Leukocyte esterase dipstick test correctly identified 15 of 21 urine samples with culture proven UTI (71.4 percent sensitivity). The positive and negative predictive values were 36.6 percent and 86.4 percent, respectively. The leukocyte esterase dipstick test was found to be better than significant leukocyturia in detecting UTI. It is concluded that leukocyte esterase is sensitive in detecting UTI, easy to perform, requires less time and does not require highly trained personnel for its performance.