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Last updated: October 18, 2025View editorial policy

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Differential Diagnosis

Given the scenario of a normal prostate, urine routine showing 2-3 pus cells, and no fever, the following differential diagnoses can be considered:

  • Single most likely diagnosis
    • Chronic Prostatitis: This condition can present with mild pyuria (presence of pus cells in the urine) without significant symptoms like fever. The normal prostate examination does not rule out chronic prostatitis, as the condition can be non-inflammatory or have intermittent symptoms.
  • Other Likely diagnoses
    • Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): Although the patient does not have fever, a UTI could still be present, especially if the infection is mild or in its early stages. The presence of pus cells in the urine supports this diagnosis.
    • Prostatic Ductal Inflammation: Inflammation of the prostatic ducts can lead to the presence of pus cells in the urine without necessarily causing significant prostate enlargement or fever.
  • Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
    • Tuberculosis of the Urinary Tract: Although rare, tuberculosis can infect the urinary tract and present with sterile pyuria (pus cells in the urine without bacterial growth on routine cultures). It's crucial to consider this diagnosis to avoid missing a potentially serious condition.
    • Malignancy: Certain malignancies, such as prostate or bladder cancer, can cause inflammation and lead to the presence of pus cells in the urine. While less likely, these conditions are critical to rule out due to their significant implications.
  • Rare diagnoses
    • Schistosomiasis: In endemic areas, schistosomiasis can cause urinary tract symptoms, including hematuria (blood in the urine) and pyuria. It's a rare consideration in non-endemic areas but should be kept in mind for patients with a relevant travel history.
    • Malacoplakia: A rare inflammatory condition that can affect the urinary tract, malacoplakia can present with pyuria and other urinary symptoms. It's often associated with chronic infection and is more common in immunocompromised individuals.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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