Which symptom pattern is most typical for urinary tract infections in infants?

Which symptom pattern is most typical for urinary tract infections in infants?

• A. Specific dysuria
• B. Fever without source
• C. Nonspecific symptoms such as fever or irritability
• D. Localized flank pain

Answer: (C)

UTIs in infants most often present with nonspecific signs rather than localized urinary symptoms. Because infants can’t describe pain or burning on urination, they tend to show general signs of illness such as fever and irritability, and may have poor feeding or vomiting. This pattern—fever plus irritability or other nonspecific changes—is the typical presentation in this age group. In contrast, localized symptoms like dysuria or flank pain are unlikely to be reported by infants and are more characteristic of older children or adults. So the best answer reflects the nonlocalizing, nonspecific symptom pattern common in infancy.

UTIs in infants most often present with nonspecific signs rather than localized urinary symptoms. Because infants can’t describe pain or burning on urination, they tend to show general signs of illness such as fever and irritability, and may have poor feeding or vomiting. This pattern—fever plus irritability or other nonspecific changes—is the typical presentation in this age group. In contrast, localized symptoms like dysuria or flank pain are unlikely to be reported by infants and are more characteristic of older children or adults. So the best answer reflects the nonlocalizing, nonspecific symptom pattern common in infancy.