It is usually caused by bacteria moving from the skin outside the urethra moving up the urethra and into the bladder. If the bacteria stay in the bladder the infection is called cystitis. If the bacteria are in the kidneys, it is called pyelonephritis. These infections are not contagious. The signs and symptoms of urinary tract infection in children depend on the child's age.
Symptoms are often misleading.
In older children, symptoms may result from irritations caused by bubble baths, poor hygiene, or constipation, and may mimic a urinary tract infection. It is essential to obtain a urine culture to avoid missing the diagnosis of UTI, as well as to avoid overdiagnosing UTI in children. This is particularly true in the very young child. Your child's urine will first be evaluated in the office with a microscope. To be certain whether an infection is present, a urine culture will also be obtained.