Which term describes pus in the urine?

Which term describes pus in the urine?

• A. Pyuria
• B. Bacteriuria
• C. Hematuria
• D. Cystitis

Answer: (A)

Pus in the urine is pyuria. Pus consists of white blood cells (primarily neutrophils) that accumulate in response to infection or inflammation of the urinary tract, so their presence in urine signals a urinary process like a UTI. Pyuria is detected on urinalysis by observing white blood cells or a positive leukocyte esterase test. Bacteriuria means bacteria in the urine and can occur with infection but describes bacteria rather than pus. Hematuria is blood in the urine, not pus. Cystitis is inflammation of the bladder and often accompanies pyuria and bacteriuria, but the term that specifically describes pus in the urine is pyuria.

Pus in the urine is pyuria. Pus consists of white blood cells (primarily neutrophils) that accumulate in response to infection or inflammation of the urinary tract, so their presence in urine signals a urinary process like a UTI. Pyuria is detected on urinalysis by observing white blood cells or a positive leukocyte esterase test. Bacteriuria means bacteria in the urine and can occur with infection but describes bacteria rather than pus. Hematuria is blood in the urine, not pus. Cystitis is inflammation of the bladder and often accompanies pyuria and bacteriuria, but the term that specifically describes pus in the urine is pyuria.