Abstract

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common bacterial infections that trigger inflammatory responses, while asymptomatic bacteriuria involves bacterial presence without symptoms. Diagnosing UTIs can be challenging and delays may lead to complications or antibiotic misuse. Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), an early proinflammatory cytokine detected in urine, shows potential as a rapid UTIs diagnostic biomarker. This study aimed to investigate urinary IL-1β levels in patients with symptomatic UTIs, asymptomatic bacteriuria, and normal control individuals. We compared IL-1β levels between subjects with multidrug-resistant (MDR), and others with drug-sensitive bacterial infections. This study included 150 subjects who were categorized into three groups: symptomatic UTIs, asymptomatic bacteriuria, and normal controls. Urine samples were collected aseptically and analyzed using Cystine Lactose Electrolyte Deficient (CLED) agar culture and antimicrobial susceptibility testing (disc diffusion method). Urinary IL-1β levels were measured using ELISA. Escherichia coli was the most commonly isolated organism, followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae. Cefotaxime, amikacin, and cefixime showed good sensitivity, with cefixime being significantly more effective in asymptomatic bacteriuria. IL-1β levels were markedly higher in symptomatic UTI patients, followed by asymptomatic bacteriuria, and lowest in the controls. The highest IL-1β levels were associated with E. coli infections and MDR strains. In conclusion, urinary IL-1β represents a promising biomarker for UTI diagnosis, capable of distinguishing between UTI cases and normal controls and correlating with bacterial resistance patterns. These findings support the incorporation of IL-1β measurement into clinical practice to enhance diagnostic accuracy and improve infection management strategies.

Keywords: Iterleukin-1 beta (IL-1β); Asymptomatic bacteriuria; Urinary tract infections (UTIs); biomarker.

Date received: 18 August 2025; accepted: 06 April 2026

PMID:
41966632