Differential Diagnosis for UTI in a 35-year-old Female with Negative Urine Culture
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Viral Cystitis: This is a possible cause of UTI symptoms in the absence of bacterial growth in urine culture. Viral infections such as adenovirus or polyomavirus can cause cystitis, which may not be detected by standard urine cultures.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Chlamydial or Gonococcal Infection: These sexually transmitted infections can cause symptoms similar to UTI and may not be detected by standard urine cultures.
- Interstitial Cystitis: A condition characterized by chronic inflammation of the bladder, which can cause UTI-like symptoms without the presence of bacteria.
- Fungal Infection: Although less common, fungal infections such as candidiasis can cause UTI symptoms, especially in immunocompromised individuals.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Tuberculosis (TB) of the Urinary Tract: Although rare, TB can infect the urinary tract and cause symptoms similar to UTI. It is essential to consider this diagnosis to avoid missing a potentially serious condition.
- Kidney Stones: While not an infection, kidney stones can cause severe pain and symptoms similar to UTI. It is crucial to rule out this condition to provide appropriate treatment.
Rare Diagnoses
- Parasitic Infections: Certain parasites such as Schistosoma haematobium can infect the urinary tract and cause symptoms similar to UTI.
- Mycobacterial Infections: Other than TB, other mycobacterial infections can cause UTI-like symptoms, although these are extremely rare.
- Urethral Diverticulum: A condition where a pouch or pocket forms in the urethra, which can cause UTI-like symptoms due to bacterial or fungal infections.