A Fascinating Case of the ‘Purple Urine Bag Syndrome’

Abstract

Purple urine bag syndrome (PUBS) is a rare presentation of urinary tract infections (UTIs). It is commonly seen in constipated patients. There is a deep purple discoloration of contents of urine bag due to presence of indigo and indirubin pigments which are metabolites of tryptophan. We would like to describe an interesting case of purple urine bag syndrome of 88-year-old woman who presented with catheter-related urinary tract infection. She had low-grade fever and suprapubic discomfort for three days duration. She had increased white cell count and C-reactive peptide (CRP). Urinalysis showed protein 2+, nitrite and leucocyte esterase positive. Urine culture grew Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae. She was treated with oral cefuroxime and recovered. This case report may be the first case of PUBS reported in this region.