What is the medical term for the presence of bacteria in the urine?

The medical term for the presence of bacteria in the urine is bacteriuria. This condition indicates that bacteria are present in the urinary tract, which can be a sign of a urinary tract infection (UTI) or other underlying issues. It is important to recognize bacteriuria, as it can lead to symptoms such as frequent urination, burning during urination, and abdominal pain, and may require further diagnostic evaluation and treatment.

Cystitis refers specifically to inflammation of the bladder, which can be caused by an infection but does not specifically denote the presence of bacteria. Nephritis involves inflammation of the kidneys and is typically associated with other conditions, rather than specifically with bacteria in the urine. Pyelonephritis is a type of kidney infection that results from bacteria ascending from the bladder, which may be a complication of bacteriuria, but does not define the presence of bacteria in the urine itself. Thus, bacteriuria accurately describes the condition in question, making it the correct answer.