Advertisement

Can UTI occur in the absence of pus cells?

Dr Rajesh Ahlawat
Chairman
Division of Urology and Renal Transplantation
Medanta Kidney and Urology Institute
Medanta, the Medicity

Q: Is it possible to have a urinary tract infection (UTI) in the absence of pus cells in urine? If yes, what does it mean?

A:It is highly unlikely that you have a UTI in absence of pus cells. The number of pus cells would be high with infection, though the concentration may vary with urine dilution depending on water intake. In absence of pus cells or symptoms such a positive urine culture is more likely to be urine contamination with bacteria. I would strongly suggest you to have both urine examination and culture repeated from another microbiology lab.