Table 1. Definitions of UTI.
| Criterion | NIDRR definition | CMS definition | Togan definition | EAU definition | Burgdörfer definition | Any mention of UTI |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bacteriuria | 102 CFUs | 10,000 CFUs/mL | ≥105 CFU/mL | >104 CFU/mL* | ≥105 CFU/mL | – |
| Pyuria | WBC > 10 or positive leukocyte esterase | >5 leukocytes per high-power field | – | >10 WBCs | ≥100 leukocytes/mm3 | – |
| Signs and Symptoms | ||||||
| Leukocytes/leukocytosis | Presence in urine, produced by the mucous membrane | Systemic leukocytosis | – | – | – | |
| Discomfort or pain | Above kidneys or bladder or when urinating | – | Abdominal pain, pains on side, or in suprapubic region | – | – | – |
| Start of urinary incontinence or leakage around the catheter | Yes | – | – | – | – | – |
| Fever or shivers | Yes | Yes (Oral temperature >38°C (or 100.4°F)) | Yes (>38°C) | – | – | – |
| Anorexia | Yes | – | – | – | ||
| Increased spasticity | Yes | Yes | – | – | – | |
| Autonomic hyperreflexia (also called dysreflexia) | Yes | Yes (occurrence of new or increased autonomic dysreflexia [perspiration, bradycardia, increased blood pressure]) | – | – | – | |
| Cloudy, dark, and/or foul-smelling urine | Yes | Yes | – | – | – | |
| Feeling unwell, lethargy, increased perspiration, or uncomfortable feeling | Yes | Yes (reflex perspiration) | – | – | – | |
| Changes in need to urinate, frequency of urination, and incontinence | Yes | Yes (need to urinate, frequency of urination, and incontinence) | – | – | – | |
| Physical signs of prostatitis, epididymitis, orchitis | Yes | – | – | – | ||
| Increased muscle spasms | Yes | – | – | – | ||
| Other | – | – | Any mention of UTI or related term | |||
| Number of criteria required | 3 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Comment | Bacteriuria, pyuria, and ≥1 symptom required | Bacteriuria and either pyuria or ≥1 symptom required | Bacteriuria and ≥1 symptom required | Both bacteriuria and pyuria required | Both bacteriuria and pyuria required |
*If asymptomatic, two consecutive urine cultures (>24 h apart) each >105 CFU/mL of the same microorganism.
Abbreviations: CFU, colony forming unit; CMS, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services; NIDRR, National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research; US, United States; UTI, urinary tract infection; WBC, white blood cells.