e-coli but no infection, is that possible??

Question

routine culture showed e-coli in urine, but the culture was clean. He said bascteria is in the tract, physically. No infection, normal WBC. I still have a burning sensation in the last few seconds of peeing. I am more comfortable when I drink LOTS of water and cranberry. What shall I do? It seems bacteria is still in my urine tract, how do I get rid of it.

Answer 1

From what you have said, it appears that the bacteria are not in the bladder. However, if the culture chowed E.coli, then there needs to be a repeat, because i honestly cannot see how a lab could contaminate a culture with E.coli of all things.

The E.coli are probably just hanging around in your urethra. I can't think of any antibiotics that can help you (but im not a doctor), so what you should do is take vitamin suppliments for the duration of the burning sensation. Multivitamins are good, and eat lots of vegatables and fruit.

You immune system should be able to clear it out, but it needs a hand, hence the extra vitamins.

But if you doctors said you didn't have an infection, go back and ask for a repeat test of the urine.

Answer 2

If you had e-coli in your bladder, that is an infection. Urine should have zero bacteria in it. Maybe he felt it was a contamination from gathering the sample.
If he doesn't think you need antibiotics, drinking LOTS of water, juice, sports drinks and even beer, is what you can do. If you keep it up long enough, your body should get rid of the infection.
Or you might want to get a second opinion, maybe from a urologist.

Answer 3

This is strange.... clean culture? Re-test!!! I would also test for other infections, just to rule them out!

Continue to drink fluids and maybe, institute a few herbal teas as an antioxidant and vitamins! Hope you feel better!

Answer 4

The infection could possibly come from the nursing staff, contaminated food during hospitalization unless the patient had it prior.