What does the presence of bacteria and pus cells in urine but a negative urine culture indicate?

Question

Hello doctor,

My urine routine shows a few pus cells with the presence of bacteria. But the urine culture shows no bacteria. My urologist says there is no need for treatment. But I am a little worried. Please help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I went through your query and understood your concern. Sterile pyuria (pus cells but no growth on culture) can be due to a recently treated infection, a scar in the kidney due to an old infection, kidney stones, or infection due to unusual organisms. I suggest you do a sonography of the KUB (kidneys, ureter, and bladder) region. I also suggest you take adequate fluids and take one sachet of Fosfomycin (antibiotic) powder with water for a single dose. Repeat the urine routine after five to seven days. If there is no burning, or pain around the urethra, no fever, or abdominal pain, then I suggest you ignore a few pus cells in urine. Kindly consult a specialist, talk with them, and take medications with their consent.

I hope this has helped you.

Thanks and regards.