Asymptomatic bacteriuria (ABU) is defined by the presence of bacteria in the urine of a patient without signs or symptoms related to UTI. A common condition that is often treated unnecessarily with antibiotics, ABU should be detected and treated in pregnant women and patients undergoing urologic surgery, but in most other patient groups, treatment does not confer benefit and can be harmful. In this Review, Trautner discusses the science behind ABU, when it should be treated, and what is being done to change the prescribing behavior of physicians managing a patient with ABU.
