Urinary tract infections in patients with diabetes mellitus. Studies on antibody coating of bacteria.

The prevalence of urinary tract infection was determined in 333 patients attending a diabetes mellitus outpatient clinic during a one-year period. A total of 19% of the women and 2% of the men were found to have urinary tract infections. Antibody-coated bacteria, indicating parenchymal infection, were initially present in 43% of patients and rose to 79% within a mean pretreatment period of seven weeks. In those with recurrent infection following treatment, there were more reinfections than relapses, both in those with kidney infections (67%) and those with bladder infections (57%). The high prevalence of urinary tract infection among diabetic women and the evidence of rapid parenchymal involvement emphasizes the need for clinical awareness of the problem and clarification of its consequences.