What is the medical term for candida in the urine of a patient, possibly with underlying conditions such as diabetes or immunocompromisation?

Medical Terminology for Candida in Urine

The medical term for Candida in the urine is "candiduria." 1

Definition and Clinical Context

• Candiduria refers to the presence of Candida species detected in urine, either by microscopy or culture 1, 2
• This term encompasses a spectrum of conditions ranging from simple contamination to colonization to true infection 3
• The finding of candiduria does not automatically indicate infection—in most hospitalized patients, it represents benign colonization rather than true urinary tract infection 1

Specific Clinical Syndromes Within Candiduria

When candiduria represents actual infection rather than colonization, it can manifest as several distinct clinical entities:

• Candida cystitis: Infection of the bladder causing dysuria, frequency, urgency, and suprapubic discomfort 1, 4
• Candida pyelonephritis: Infection of the renal parenchyma presenting with flank pain, fever, and systemic symptoms 1, 4
• Candida prostatitis: Rare infection of the prostate gland 1
• Candida epididymo-orchitis: Rare infection of the epididymis and testes 1, 2
• Fungus balls (also called fungal bezoars): Obstructing masses of Candida that can form in the renal pelvis, ureters, or bladder 1

Risk Factors and Clinical Significance

The presence of candiduria is particularly significant in certain high-risk populations:

• Neutropenic patients: Candiduria may indicate disseminated candidiasis and requires treatment 1
• Low birth weight infants: Often reflects disseminated infection with potential fungus ball formation 1, 5
• Diabetic patients: Diabetes mellitus is a major risk factor for candiduria 2, 6
• Immunocompromised patients: Including transplant recipients, where candiduria may signal systemic disease 1, 7
• Patients with indwelling urinary catheters: The most common predisposing factor for candiduria 1, 2

Important Clinical Distinction

Candiduria should not be confused with vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), which causes vaginal symptoms including external dysuria but is not a true urinary tract infection 4