Yes, fungal infections can cause blood in the urine (hematuria), particularly in the urinary tract.
Fungal infections, while less common than bacterial infections in the urinary tract, can lead to significant complications, including hematuria. The primary mechanism involves the formation of "fungus balls" within the urinary system, most often in the ureter or renal pelvis. These fungus balls can irritate and erode the lining of the urinary tract, causing bleeding. In addition to fungus balls, certain fungal infections can cause other issues that might result in hematuria, like papillary necrosis (death of kidney tissue) or abscesses within or around the kidney.
Here's a breakdown:
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Fungus Balls: These are masses of fungal organisms that can obstruct the flow of urine and cause irritation to the urinary tract lining, leading to bleeding. Candida species are the most common culprit.
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Papillary Necrosis: In rare cases, a severe fungal infection can damage the renal papillae (structures in the kidney), leading to tissue death and subsequent bleeding.
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Abscesses: Fungal infections can sometimes lead to the formation of abscesses (collections of pus) within or around the kidney. These abscesses can erode into the urinary tract and cause hematuria, along with other symptoms like pain and fever.
Symptoms Associated with Fungal Urinary Tract Infections:
Besides hematuria, other symptoms may include:
- Urinary obstruction
- Pain
- Fever
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
Who is at Risk?
Individuals at higher risk of developing fungal urinary tract infections include:
- Those with weakened immune systems (e.g., individuals with HIV/AIDS, organ transplant recipients)
- Diabetics
- Individuals with indwelling urinary catheters
- Patients who have recently undergone surgery
- Patients on broad-spectrum antibiotics
Diagnosis and Treatment:
Diagnosis typically involves urine cultures and imaging studies (e.g., CT scan, ultrasound). Treatment usually involves antifungal medications. In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to remove fungus balls or drain abscesses.
