What type of urine odor can be associated with cystinuria?

Cystinuria is a genetic disorder that affects the reabsorption of certain amino acids in the kidneys, particularly cystine, which can result in the formation of kidney stones. When urine is rich in cystine, it may produce a characteristic foul odor due to the high concentration of sulfur-containing compounds. These compounds can result in a strong, unpleasant smell, which is typically noted in cases of cystinuria.

This foul odor is clinically significant as it can aid in the diagnosis of cystinuria alongside the presence of renal calculi (stones) and other urinary symptoms. The specific amino acid metabolism involved in this condition leads not only to the formation of stones but also to changes in the odor profile of the urine, which is why it is recognized clinically.

Other types of odors mentioned, such as sweet, fishy, and musty, are more associated with different metabolic conditions or infections. For instance, a sweet odor might be linked to diabetes due to the presence of ketones, whereas a fishy odor is often associated with urinary tract infections caused by certain bacteria. A musty odor can indicate phenylketonuria due to the accumulation of phenylalanine. However, in the context of cystinuria, the foul odor stands