Outdated UTI Test Fails Chronic Patients

The traditional “gold standard” test for urinary tract infections (UTIs), the midstream urine culture (MSU), is being called outdated and unreliable, particularly for diagnosing chronic infections. A new study led by Dr. Jennifer Rohn from University College London compared the MSU test with modern DNA sequencing in symptomatic and non-symptomatic individuals. While MSU detected infection in only six patients, DNA analysis identified infections in all symptomatic patients, proving MSU’s limitations.

This failure has serious consequences. Chronic UTIs, affecting millions—especially older women and vulnerable groups like those with spinal injuries or renal transplants—often go undiagnosed due to false-negative results. Patients suffer for years with debilitating symptoms, frequently dismissed by doctors relying on flawed tests. Some even develop complications like sepsis, lose jobs, or face mental health crises.

The study urges the urgent development of modern, rapid diagnostic tools to replace MSU. Experts like Professor James Malone-Lee criticize the continued use of MSU, calling it a “hopeless dud.” Patient advocacy groups, like CUTIC, highlight how chronic UTIs devastate lives, especially for children and women.

To make matters worse, overuse of antibiotics due to recurrent misdiagnoses has fueled resistance, with up to 65% of E. coli UTIs now resistant to ciprofloxacin. Accurate diagnosis is essential for proper care and antibiotic stewardship.

Boseley, S. (2018, December 12). UTI test often fails to detect infection, say researchers. The Guardian. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/society/2018/dec/12/researchers-call-for-new-uti-urinary-tract-infections-testing-method