Development of lactobacilli therapy to prevent recurrent urinary tract infections in females

Abstract

Urinary tract infections remain a common urogynecological problem. Although antibiotic therapy invariably eradicates bacteria from the bladder, it can also disrupt the genital flora and lead to emergence of drug-resistant uropathogens. A new therapeutic agent has been developed to prevent recurrence of uncomplicated, lower urinary tract infections in adult females. This unique product contains Lactobacillus casei var rhamnosus GR-1 and L. fermentum B-54, selected for their ability to adhere to uroepithelial cells in vitro and produce inhibitory substances against uropathogens, particularly Escherichia coli and Enterococcus species. In addition, unlike the majority of lactobacillus isolates, the strains GR-1 and B-54 resist the action of spermicide. The bacteria are freeze-dried in gelatin suppositories and instilled intravaginally. Weekly therapy in 8 patients has led to a 78.7% reduction in infection rate, without any major side effects. The results illustrate the potential effectiveness of this therapy in patients with recurrent urinary tract infections.