I'm dealing with a urinary tract infection and my test results are a bit worrying. They showed that there are many pus cells, occasional epithelial cells, and a few gram-negative bacilli. It also mentioned an E. coli colony count of 100,000ml. I'm not sure what to do next, could you guide me on the best way to treat this?

Dr Chandra P

General Practitioner

• MBBS
• 5+ Yrs

Consult Now

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can be uncomfortable and painful. Based on your test results:

Gram Stain Results

1. Pus cells: Indicates a significant infection.
2. Occasional epithelial cells: Normal finding.
3. Few gram-negative bacilli: Suggests a bacterial infection.

Culture Results

1. E. coli: A common cause of UTIs.
2. Colony count > 100,000mL: Indicates a significant bacterial load.

Treatment Recommendations

1. Antibiotics: Your doctor will likely prescribe antibiotics to treat the E. coli infection. Common options include:
   • Nitrofurantoin
   • Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole
   • Ciprofloxacin
2. Duration of treatment: Typically 7-14 days, depending on the severity of the infection and your overall health.
3. Pain management: Your doctor may recommend pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, to help manage discomfort.
4. Hydration: Drink plenty of water to help flush out the bacteria.
5. Urinary analgesics: Medications like phenazopyridine can help relieve burning sensations during urination.

Follow-up

1. Complete the antibiotic course: Finish the full treatment course, even if symptoms improve before completing the medication.
2. Follow-up urine culture: Schedule a follow-up urine culture to ensure the infection has cleared.

Answered 04/07/2025