Abstract

Urinary tract infection is the third most common cause of febrile illness among children. UTI carries a
considerable morbidity among this vulnerable age group because of its potential complications (e.g.
hypertension and renal failure) Because diagnosis of UTI among the pediatric age group is challenging if
solely based on clinical setting, knowledge of the actual prevalence rates of UTI among children is
essential for pediatricians to determine the cost benefit effect of requesting investigations for suspected
cases. Infants and children with UTI often present with fever with or without urinary symptoms. During
assessment of a febrile child, pediatricians should be aware of the prevalence and risk factors for UTI
in febrile children that necessitate further investigations. Prevalence of UTI among children is highly
variable among different studies and the variability is attributed to multiple factors. This article aims at
reviewing the prevalence of UTI in children reported among various literature studies and discussing
factors influencing this prevalence.