Bacteriuria in a population-based cohort of women.

A survey for bacteriuria was conducted in a community-wide, unselected population of women 16--69 years old. The overall prevalence of bacteriuria was 3.5%. The prevalence of bacteriuria increased with age with a linear trend, but with a significant nonlinear component as well. Bacteriuria was associated with parity after correction for the effects of age. Current symptoms of dysuria and a history of previous urinary tract infection were slightly but significantly more common in women with bacteriuria. The population described should serve as an adequate base for continuing studies of the possible consequences of bacteriuria.