Final answer:
Asymptomatic bacteriuria and symptomatic bacteriuria are both types of urinary tract infections (UTIs) caused by bacterial growth in the urinary tract. The key difference between them is the presence or absence of symptoms in the affected individual.
Step-by-step explanation:
Asymptomatic bacteriuria and symptomatic bacteriuria are both types of urinary tract infections (UTIs) caused by bacterial growth in the urinary tract. The key difference between them is the presence or absence of symptoms in the affected individual.
Asymptomatic bacteriuria:
In asymptomatic bacteriuria, bacteria are present in the urine but the person does not experience any symptoms. This condition is usually diagnosed through routine urine testing and does not require treatment unless the person belongs to certain high-risk groups, such as pregnant women or individuals undergoing urological procedures.
Symptomatic bacteriuria:
Symptomatic bacteriuria, on the other hand, refers to a UTI where bacteria growth in the urinary tract causes noticeable symptoms such as frequent urination, pain or burning during urination, cloudy or bloody urine, and lower abdominal pain. Treatment with appropriate antibiotics is typically necessary to relieve symptoms and eradicate the infection.