Which condition predisposes to struvite kidney stones?

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Multiple Choice

Which condition predisposes to struvite kidney stones?

Struvite stones form in urine that is alkaline and infected with urease-producing bacteria. Urease converts urea into ammonia, which raises the urinary pH and promotes precipitation of magnesium ammonium phosphate, leading to stone formation. This is why an infection with urease-positive organisms, commonly Proteus, predisposes to struvite stones. In contrast, low pH urine favors uric acid or cystine stones, not struvite; hyperglycemia and vitamin C deficiency are not specific drivers of struvite formation.

Struvite stones form in urine that is alkaline and infected with urease-producing bacteria. Urease converts urea into ammonia, which raises the urinary pH and promotes precipitation of magnesium ammonium phosphate, leading to stone formation. This is why an infection with urease-positive organisms, commonly Proteus, predisposes to struvite stones. In contrast, low pH urine favors uric acid or cystine stones, not struvite; hyperglycemia and vitamin C deficiency are not specific drivers of struvite formation.

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