Question

Case Study E An 35-year old female marathon runner has noticed that her urine appears more cloudy and hasa an unusual, unpleasant odor. Urinalysis: Elevated levels of leukocytes and nitrites. Negative for erythrocytes and protein. What is the diagnosis: urinary obstruction, diabetes insipidus, glomerulonephritis (damaged glomerular membrane), urinary tract infection (UTI), kidney stones, or diabetes mellitus? 27

Answer 1

It is the sign of Urinary tract infection (UTI).

If either nitrites and leukocytes esterase ( product of WBC) is detected in urine then it is a sign of UTI.

The elevated level of leukocytes and nitrites may be the result of bacterial infection in the urinary tract.  Having nitrates in urine is normal but its conversion to nitrites is abnormal. Some types of bacteria have an enzyme that converts nitrates into nitrites. This is why the presence of nitrites in your urine is an indicator that you may have a UTI.