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Pathologic bactiuria is usually (but not always) accompanied by increased numbers of leukocytes (pyuria). The presence of bacteria in urine should always be interpreted in conjunction with the WBC count and method of urine collection. The number and type of bacteria observed is also important. For instance, a few bacteria in a voided urine with no pyuria are not considered a pathologic finding. However, large numbers of a single type of bacteria, even in a voided urine (particularly a clean "mid-stream" catch) may be pathologic. Any bacteria in a urine sample obtained by cystocentesis are considered pathologic (even if no WBCs are seen), since this is a sterile collection procedure. For more information, see the section on bacteria in the Urine Sediment Atlas.
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Bacteria may be insignificant contaminants or important pathogens. Bacteria
are too few to see in cleanly collected fresh urine from healthy animals.
