Purple urine bag syndrome: A rare sign of recurrent urinary tract infections

Abstract

Purple Urine Bag Syndrome (PUBS) is a rare benign phenomenon seen in old debilitated, constipated females with chronic indwelling catheterization and recurrent urinary tract infections. The purple color change in the urine bag results from the altered metabolism of tryptophan and production of color pigments by sulfates and phosphates enzymes producing bacteria. Knowledge about PUBS is imperative for clinicians to avoid misdiagnosis and to treat promptly to avoid life threatening urosepsis in neglected cases.