Chromaturia and Providencia: A Case Report on Purple Urine Bag Syndrome
Abstract
Purple urine bag syndrome (PUBS) is an uncommon condition typically observed in chronically ill, catheterized patients. This case report describes a 54-year-old Indian man with a history of recurrent strokes and long-term urinary catheterization who presented with lower abdominal discomfort and purple discoloration of the urine. Microbiological analysis revealed Providencia rettgeri, confirming the diagnosis of PUBS. The pathogenesis of PUBS involves the interaction between tryptophan and bacterial enzymes, resulting in the formation of colored compounds. Early identification of PUBS facilitates timely management, including treatment of the underlying urinary tract infection with appropriate antibiotics, catheter replacement, and addressing modifiable risk factors, which collectively may prevent potential complications and improve patient outcomes. This case highlights the importance of recognizing PUBS as a clinically relevant indicator of underlying urinary tract infections (UTIs) and emphasizes the need for enhanced care protocols in vulnerable populations. Increased awareness and expeditious management by health care providers can mitigate the impact of this condition.
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a case report, done in people. Its evidence level is 5 of 5 (Very low · case / narrative / animal / in vitro / in silico). Case reports, narrative reviews, and animal, cell or computer-model studies give the weakest evidence for human health.
Read the paper
Related studies
- Horizontal gene transfer in the human gastrointestinal tract: potential spread of antibiotic resistance genes
- Mutation supply and relative fitness shape the genotypes of ciprofloxacin-resistant Escherichia coli
- Genomic Survey of E. coli From the Bladders of Women With and Without Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms
- Characterization of cefotaxime-resistant urinary Escherichia coli from primary care in South-West England 2017–18
- Fitness cost constrains the spectrum of marR mutations in ciprofloxacin-resistant Escherichia coli
- Emerging evidence-based innovative approaches to control catheter-associated urinary tract infection: a review
Go deeper in Evidence Hub
Evidence Hub adds a study data sheet (design, sample size, evidence level, key numbers), an AI summary and a chat grounded in the paper's text.