Australia
A 27-year-old female asked:
went 2 er for severe flank pain & fever. high wbc &high neutrophils. u.s shows right pyelonephritis of upper pole but urine negative for bacteria, how?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in
Dr. Hunter Handsfield answered
Infectious Disease 53 years experience
Obstructed?: Obstruction of the upper part of the ureter or within the kidney could do this. e.g. from a kidney stone or papillary necrosis. That is, the infected area is not draining, and so no bacteria or white blood cells in the urine. If so, it's quite serious. It is common not to see bacteria on urinalysis but they are found in culture. Keep working closely with your doctors.
1288 viewsReviewed Jan 11, 2021
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Last updated Jan 11, 2021
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