Leukocytes in Urine: Common Causes of Leukocytes (White Blood Cells) in Urine
- December 24, 2025
- Abrol Hospital
leukocytes in urine is a common laboratory result that often raises concern. Leukocytes—also known as white blood cells (WBCs)—are an essential part of the immune system. Their presence in urine can indicate infection, inflammation, or other underlying health conditions affecting the urinary tract or kidneys.
What Are Leukocytes?
Leukocytes, or white blood cells, are immune cells that protect the body from infections and foreign invaders. They circulate in the blood and tissues, identifying and fighting bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other harmful organisms.
Under normal conditions, urine contains little to no white blood cells. When leukocytes are detected in urine, it usually suggests the body is responding to inflammation or infection somewhere in the urinary system.
What Does Leukocytes in Urine Mean?
Leukocytes in urine (also called pyuria) means that white blood cells are present in the urine sample. This can occur when:
The urinary tract is inflamed or infected
The kidneys are affected
There is irritation or contamination of the urine sample
While leukocytes in urine are most commonly linked to urinary tract infections (UTIs), they are not exclusive to infections and may appear in other conditions.
Normal vs Abnormal Levels of White Blood Cells in Urine
Normal urine: 0–5 white blood cells per high-power field (HPF)
Abnormal urine: More than 5 WBCs per HPF
Higher levels of white blood cells in urine increase the likelihood of infection or inflammation and often require further testing.
Common Causes of Leukocytes in Urine
1. Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
The most common cause of leukocytes in urine is a urinary tract infection. UTIs occur when bacteria enter the urinary tract and begin to multiply, triggering an immune response. As white blood cells move in to fight the bacteria, they appear in the urine.
People with UTIs often have both leukocyte esterase in urine and increased white blood cells in urine, along with symptoms such as burning during urination, frequent urination, and cloudy urine.
2. Kidney Infection (Pyelonephritis)
A kidney infection is a serious type of UTI that affects the kidneys rather than just the bladder or urethra. In this condition, leukocytes in urine are usually present in high numbers because the infection triggers a strong immune response.
Symptoms may include fever, chills, lower back or side pain, nausea, and fatigue. Kidney infections require prompt medical treatment, as untreated cases can lead to long-term kidney damage.
3. Inflammation of the Urinary Tract
Not all cases of leukocytes in urine are caused by infection. Inflammation of the urinary tract lining can also allow white blood cells to enter the urine. This inflammation may be caused by physical irritation, trauma, chemical exposure, or chronic conditions.
In such cases, leukocyte esterase in urine may be positive even when urine cultures show no bacterial growth.
4. Kidney Stones
Kidney stones can irritate the urinary tract as they move through it. This irritation often causes inflammation, which leads to the release of white blood cells into the urine.
People with kidney stones may have white blood cells in urine, blood in urine, and significant pain. Leukocytes may be present even if there is no infection.
5. Contamination During Urine Collection
Improper urine collection is a common reason for leukocytes appearing in urine test results. White blood cells from the skin or genital area can enter the sample, especially if a clean-catch method is not used.
This is particularly common in females and may lead to a false-positive result for leukocytes in urine.
6. Leukocytes in Urine Without Infection (Sterile Pyuria)
Sometimes, leukocytes are found in urine even though no bacteria are detected. This condition is known as sterile pyuria.
Possible causes include chronic kidney disease, autoimmune disorders, recent infections, or the use of certain medications. Further evaluation is often needed to identify the underlying reason.
7. Leukocytes in Urine During Pregnancy
Pregnancy increases the risk of urinary changes due to hormonal shifts and pressure on the urinary tract. As a result, leukocytes in urine may be detected more frequently.
Routine urine tests during pregnancy help identify infections early and prevent complications that could affect both the parent and baby.
Symptoms Associated With Leukocytes in Urine
Leukocytes themselves do not cause symptoms. Symptoms depend entirely on the underlying cause. Common symptoms include pain during urination, frequent urination, pelvic discomfort, cloudy urine, or fever.
In some cases, individuals may have leukocytes in urine with no symptoms, discovered only during routine testing.
Expert care for leukocytes in urine and urinary infections—consult a specialist in Gurdaspur
If your urine test shows leukocytes in urine or a positive leukocyte esterase in urine, it’s important not to ignore it. Early evaluation can help prevent complications such as worsening infections or kidney problems.
👉 Consult an experienced urologist or relevant doctors in Gurdaspur for accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment. Our specialists use advanced diagnostic tests to identify the exact cause of white blood cells in urine and provide timely, effective care.
FAQs on Leukocytes in Urine
Leukocytes in urine indicate the presence of white blood cells, which usually means the body is responding to an infection or inflammation in the urinary tract, bladder, or kidneys. The most common cause is a urinary tract infection, but other conditions can also lead to this finding.
Not exactly. Leukocyte esterase in urine is an enzyme released by white blood cells. A positive leukocyte esterase test suggests the presence of leukocytes in urine, but microscopic examination is needed to confirm the actual number of white blood cells.
Yes. White blood cells in urine can appear without infection due to inflammation, kidney stones, contamination during urine collection, or chronic conditions. This is sometimes called sterile pyuria and requires further medical evaluation.
Leukocytes themselves are not dangerous, but they signal an underlying issue. If left untreated, the cause—such as a urinary tract or kidney infection—can lead to complications. That’s why timely consultation with a doctor is important.
You can consult a qualified urologist or relevant doctor in Gurdaspur for proper diagnosis and treatment of leukocytes in urine. Local specialists can perform urine tests, imaging, and provide targeted care.
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