Full formMedical & Health
PUOstands forPyrexia of Unknown Origin
Full Form of PUO
What is PUO?
Pyrexia of Unknown Origin (PUO) is a medical term used when a patient has a persistent fever of 38.3°C (101°F) or higher for at least three weeks, and the cause remains undiagnosed after initial outpatient or inpatient evaluation. In India, PUO is a common clinical challenge due to the high prevalence of infectious diseases like tuberculosis, typhoid, malaria, and dengue, as well as non-infectious conditions such as autoimmune disorders and malignancies. The term is routinely used in hospitals and clinics by physicians, especially in internal medicine and infectious disease departments. Diagnostic workup typically involves blood cultures, serological tests, imaging studies, and occasionally invasive procedures like biopsy. PUO holds significant importance in medical education, appearing in postgraduate entrance exams (NEET PG, AIIMS) and undergraduate clinical assessments, where students must differentiate between infectious, neoplastic, and collagen vascular causes. Understanding PUO helps Indian doctors apply systematic diagnostic algorithms to reduce diagnostic delays. It remains a diagnostic puzzle that tests clinical reasoning and resource allocation, particularly in resource-limited settings. Mastery of PUO management is essential for practitioners aiming to improve patient outcomes through targeted therapy.
PUO का फुल फॉर्म
अज्ञात मूल का ज्वर
Example
The patient was admitted with persistent high-grade fever for four weeks, and after routine tests showed no clear cause, the case was labeled as PUO and referred to the infectious disease clinic.
PUO — frequently asked questions
What is the full form of PUO?
The full form of PUO is Pyrexia of Unknown Origin, a medical term for a fever that persists without a clear cause after initial evaluation.
What are common causes of PUO in India?
Common causes of PUO in India include infections like tuberculosis, typhoid, malaria, and dengue, as well as non-infectious conditions such as autoimmune diseases and hidden malignancies.
How is PUO diagnosed in clinical practice?
Diagnosis involves a systematic workup including blood cultures, serology for regional infections (e.g., typhoid, brucellosis), imaging like CT scans, and sometimes biopsies to identify the underlying cause.