What term means pus in the urine?

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

Answer: (D)

Pus in the urine is called pyuria. This term identifies the presence of white blood cells (pus cells) in the urine, which usually signals infection or inflammation of the urinary tract. Pyuria is commonly seen with urinary tract infections and is often detected on a urinalysis by white blood cells and sometimes a positive leukocyte esterase test. It’s distinct from bacteriuria (bacteria in the urine), hematuria (blood in the urine), or cystitis (inflammation of the bladder); those terms refer to bacteria, blood, or a bladder inflammation itself, not specifically to pus in the urine.