Prevalence of Different Serotypes of Uro-Pathogenic Escherichia Coli(UPEC) causing Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections and the Effect of Cranberry Extract on them

Abstract

Objective: To determine the prevalence of different serotypes of Uro-Pathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) causing recurrent urinary tract infections and to assess the effect of Cranberry extract on them. Material and Methods: It is cross sectional retrospective study conducted in Mayo Hospital Lahore. Atotal of 60 samples of urine were collected from patients admitted in from Urology Department with history of recurrent urinary tract infections. Urine studies were performed including: Urine microscopy, urine culture on CLED medium, biochemical isolation and serotyping of Uro-Pathogenic Escherichia coli. The patients were given Cranberry Extract x 500mg once daily for 3 months, after which a follow-up urine study was performed. Results: A total of 60 urine samples were collected, out of which 15 strains of Uro-Pathogenic Escherichia coli were isolated. 53% of strains tested positive for E.Coli-26 serotype, and 47% tested positive for E.Coli-45 serotype.After taking Cranberry extract for 3 months, 67% of E.coli positive urine samples turned negative. Cranberry extract was 100% effective at eliminating E.Coli-45 serotype infection, but only 38% effective at eliminating E.Coli-26 serotype infection. Conclusion: Findings of this study show promising results of Cranberry extract in mitigating the severity of recurrent urinary tract infections especially those caused by Uro-Pathogenic Escherichia coli-45 serotype.