What does the presence of pus in urine typically indicate?

The presence of pus in urine is an indicator of an infection within the urinary tract. Pus is composed of dead white blood cells, bacteria, and tissue debris, which occur as part of the immune response to infection. When the urinary tract is infected, the body responds by sending white blood cells to the site of infection to combat the invading pathogens. This accumulation of white blood cells and other materials results in the presence of pus.

Infections in the urinary tract can involve various structures, including the bladder (cystitis), urethra (urethritis), or kidneys (pyelonephritis). The detection of pus in urine often prompts further diagnostic testing to determine the specific type of infection and appropriate treatment, such as antibiotic therapy.

While other conditions like diabetes or dehydration can impact urinary health and characteristics, they do not specifically lead to pus formation in urine. Diabetes might cause other changes in urine but is not directly linked to pus, and dehydration typically leads to concentrated urine rather than the presence of pus. Normal kidney function would not produce pus either, as healthy kidneys do not allow such inflammatory material to pass into urine.