Bacteriuria (bacteria in urine) is usually indicative of urinary tract infections, especially when white blood cells are also present. However, it can be a contaminant, especially if accompanied by large amounts of squamous epithelial cells.
Appearance
Bacteria in urine can appear as rods or cocci with varying degrees of motility. Cocci may form pairs, tetrads or chains.
Lookalikes
Bacteria may be difficult to distinguish from amorphous urates or amorphous phosphates, especially as the crystals may exhibit Brownian motion that can mimic the movement of bacteria. However, bacteria is more uniform in appearance.
Bacteria Gallery
