Tract Infections In Women Research Articles

A Review for Clinical Practice in the Treatment and Prevention of Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections in Women over Age 65

A Review for Clinical Practice in the Treatment and Prevention of Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections in Women over Age 65

Evaluation of the diagnostic accuracy of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in uncomplicated UTI in Pakistani women.

To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of lower urinary tract symptoms in uncomplicated urinary tract infection in women. The cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2020 to December 2021 after approval from the ethics review board of Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi, and comprised data of women aged at least 16 years from 8 institutions across Pakistan. Data included menstruation status, symptoms, urinalysis and organisms found in urine samples. The association of urinalysis variables with symptoms among culture-positive patients was measured to assess the certainty of positive diagnosis. Data was analysed using SPSS 23. Of the 457 women with mean age 37.87±13.9 years, 182(39.8%) had a positive urine culture. Dysuria was the most significant symptom 120(65.9%), followed by daytime frequency 114(62.6%) amongst culture-positive patients. On urinalysis, 139(76.3%) had white blood cells, and 66(36.2%) had haematuria. Dysuria along with the presence of leucocyte esterase had the highest diagnostic utility (p=0.002). Urgency along with haematuria was strongly predictive of urinary tract infection (p=0.058). The diagnosis of uncomplicated urinary tract infection in women could be reliably made based on a combination of symptoms along with urine analysis without urine culture.

Gaps in knowledge and recurrent urinary tract infections in women.

The focus of this review is to present recent literature and gaps in knowledge (GIKs) surrounding the current and future treatment and prevention of uncomplicated recurrent urinary tract infections (rUTIs) in women. Recurrent urinary tract infections are common, significantly reduce quality of life, and create a substantial economic burden to the healthcare system. They are disproportionately affecting the postmenopausal women. Antibiotics, which are used for the treatment and prophylaxis of uncomplicated rUTI, have become problematic, as there is a global rise in allergy and resistance to these agents and their use is associated with further antimicrobial resistance. Thus, in recent decades, several alternative, nonantibiotic approaches have been evaluated. There is a critical need for a concerted and standardized methodology for diagnosing, treating, and monitoring women with rUTIs. Additionally, novel nonantibiotic alternative treatment and preventive measures for UTIs are desperately required to address the global issue of antibiotic recalcitrance in all age groups, and specifically older women. Research efforts have sought to develop alternative and more effective techniques; many of which appear to be promising, but require additional evaluation and validation through clinical trials.

Population pharmacokinetics of oral fosfomycin calcium in healthy women.

Fosfomycin is an antibiotic extensively used to treat uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women, and it is available in different salts and formulations. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) recommends further studies to characterize the pharmacokinetics of fosfomycin calcium for oral administration and to justify its dosage recommendation. A population pharmacokinetic model of fosfomycin calcium was developed after oral administration to healthy women. A clinical trial (a randomized, open-label, bioavailability study of single and multiple doses of 1000 mg capsules, single dose of 500 mg capsule and single dose of 250 mg/5 mL suspension of oral fosfomycin calcium under fasted conditions in healthy women volunteers, Code: PD7522.22, EudraCT: 2020-001664-28) was carried out at the Clinical Trial Unit, Araba University Hospital (Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain). Twenty-four healthy women were included in the study, and plasma samples were collected at different times over a period of 24 h. The concentration-time data of fosfomycin in plasma were modelled by a population approach using a nonlinear mixed-effects modelling implemented by NONMEM 7.4 (ICON Clinical Research LLC, North Wales, PA, USA). The pharmacokinetics of fosfomycin was best described by a two-compartment model. Creatinine clearance and body weight were identified as covariates for fosfomycin clearance and volume of distribution, respectively. This study provides relevant information on the pharmacokinetic profile of fosfomycin in women after oral administration as calcium salt. This population model may be very useful for establishing dosage recommendations of fosfomycin calcium to treat urinary tract infections in women.

The Role of the Gut, Urine, and Vaginal Microbiomes in the Pathogenesis of Urinary Tract Infection in Women and Consideration of Microbiome Therapeutics.

The gut, urine, and vaginal microbiomes play significant roles in the pathogenesis of recurrent urinary tract infections (rUTIs). Analysis of these microbiota has shown distinct associations with urinary tract infections. Encouraging data indicate that rUTIs may be responsive to microbiome treatments such as fecal microbiota transplantation, expanding potential treatments beyond antibiotics, hydration, and behavioral interventions. If successful, these nonantibiotic therapies have the potential to increase time between rUTI episodes and reduce the prevalence of multidrug-resistant organisms. In this review, we discuss the role of the 3 microbiomes in the pathogenesis of rUTI and utilization of live biotherapeutic products as therapy for rUTI.

Editorial Comment on “Systematic Review of the Global Literature on Uncomplicated Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections in Women: Underscoring Major Heterogeneity”

Editorial Comment on “Systematic Review of the Global Literature on Uncomplicated Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections in Women: Underscoring Major Heterogeneity”

Post-Toilet Wiping Style Is Associated With the Risk of Urinary Tract Infection in Women.

Urinary tract infection (UTI) has a lifetime incidence of ≥50% in women. A wide variety of clinical, physiological, and lifestyle risk factors for UTI have been identified, but the exact relationship between post-toilet anal and perineal hygiene practices, especially the wiping direction with toilet paper, and UTI risks has not been investigated yet. Therefore, this study cross-sectionally investigated the post-toilet wiping habit and lifetime UTI events in the general population. Individuals who visited two hospitals in Japan between April 2020 and March 2023 were initially recruited. Self-reported questionnaires regarding post-toilet wiping habits and past UTI events were collected, and their relationship was investigated in males and females. Subgroup analyses by age were further performed to estimate the impact of age on the relationship. A total of 294 individuals (141 males and 153 females) agreed to participate and answered the question of post-toilet wiping direction. The number of individuals with post-toilet wiping with the arm from the front between the legs was 32 (23%) in males and 68 (44%) in females. The lifetime UTI events were more frequent in females than in males (p<0.0001). The impact of post-toilet wiping with the arm from the front between the legs on UTI events, adjusting for the age and history of diabetes mellitus, was not statistically significant both in males and females (p≥0.10 for both). Meanwhile, when the relationship was evaluated by different age groups, wiping habits from the frontand UTI were significantly associated with each other in middle-aged women aged 40-59, whereas they were not in younger and older age groups. Approximately 40-50% of women performed post-toilet wiping with the arm from the front between the legs. This post-toilet wiping habit was suggested to be a potential risk of UTI in women, especially in middle-aged subgroups, and may be better to be changed to wiping from behind.

IJCM_279A: Evaluation of diabetes mellitus as a risk factor for urinary tract infection in women: A case control study

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) disrupts insulin production and function leads to hyperglycaemia and subsequently exacerbating the risk of complications. Studies highlight hyperglycaemia’s impact on neutrophil function, predisposing diabetic patients to severe infections like pneumonia, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and skin issues. Objectives: To quantify DM’s contribution to UTI development, and to assess the risk of contracting UTI conferred by diabetes mellitus in otherwise healthy women and to characterize the UTI in the cases. Methodology: The case control study was conducted among 200 participants (100 cases with UTI and 100 controls without UTI) from 3 hospitals affiliated to Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore. The data were collected using a structured proforma. Chi – square test and students ‘t’ test was used for comparison of the results across the groups. Results: Patients with urinary tract infections (UTI) showed a higher prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) (27.66%) compared to controls (7.45%). The UTI patients were 4.75 times more likely to have DM. Diabetic UTI cases exhibited elevated glycated haemoglobin (HbA1C) and random blood sugar levels than controls. Complicated UTIs were more prevalent in diabetic (77%) than non-diabetic (60%) UTI cases, with E. coli being the most common infecting organism. Conclusion: The uncontrolled diabetes mellitus confers an increased risk of developing UTI and the risk of developing UTI caused by organisms which are not known to cause infections in people with normal immunity (like Candida species). Additionally, diabetics show a higher proportion of complicated UTI cases as compared to non-diabetics.

Reducing Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections in Women with MV140 Impacts Personal Burden of Disease: Secondary Analyses of a Randomized Placebo-controlled Efficacy Study

BackgroundRecurrent urinary tract infection (rUTI) remains a major health burden for women. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (RCT; NCT02543827) reported that female patients with rUTI receiving a sublingual vaccine, MV140, had a reduction in rUTI and increase in UTI-free rate compared with placebo. ObjectiveTo determine the impact of MV140 on the personal burden of disease in women with rUTI using secondary endpoint data from the pivotal RCT evaluating MV140. Design, setting, and participantsIn the primary RCT, female patients with rUTI enrolled in Spain and UK (from October 2015 to April 2019) were randomized to placebo (6 mo) or MV140 (3 or 6 mo), and followed for 12 mo. Individuals analyzed in this secondary analysis included those in the placebo and 3-mo (recommended dose) groups. InterventionA polybacterial sublingual vaccine, MV140 (four inactivated whole-cell bacteria—Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus vulgaris, and Enterococcus faecalis), or placebo. Outcome measurements and statistical analysisSymptom severity scoring, antibiotic use, safety, and multiple aspects of quality of life (QoL; Short-Form Questionnaire [SF-36]) were assessed. Results and limitationsCompared with the placebo group (n = 76), the 3-mo vaccinated group (n = 74) experienced fewer overall UTI symptoms (mean symptom score 102.2 ± 222.9 vs 194.2 ± 178.8; p = 0.0002), fewer days on antibiotics (12.4 ± 17.7 vs 28.7 ± 25.2; p = 0.0001), and improved total, general, and physical SF-36 QoL improvement (differences in means for total SF-36 score 15.7; 95% confidence interval [CI] 8.80, 22.64; p < 0.0001), with only social function QoL showing no impact (4.07; 95% CI –4.93, 13.08; p = 0.3744). ConclusionsThree months of MV140 is associated with a reduction of the personal burden of UTI by reducing overall UTI symptoms and antibiotic use, improving QoL in women with rUTI. Patient summaryThree months of MV140 vaccine, which has previously been shown to reduce the risk of urinary tract infection safely, is associated with a reduction in the personal burden of disease.

General practitioners' decision making managing uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women: a qualitative study.

To be effective, interventions aimed at increasing the appropriateness of antibiotic use in primary care should consider the perspectives of prescribing physicians. To explore the decision making of general practitioners (GPs) when managing uncomplicated urinary tract infections (uUTIs) in women. A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews with 22 GPs in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg (southern Germany). Verbatim transcripts were analysed through inductive qualitative content analysis. We generated the following three main themes: factors facilitating the decision making; factors complicating the decision making; and consultation modalities. According to participants, following evidence-based recommendations makes the prescription decision smoother. GPs' and patients' prior experiences and beliefs guides decisions towards certain antibiotics, even if those experiences and beliefs contradict evidence-based recommendations. Patient expectations and demands also condition antibiotic prescribing, favouring it. Organisational constraints, such as time pressure, the day of the week (for example, before weekends), and a lower cost of antibiotics for patients than alternative treatments favour the decision to prescribe antibiotics. Diagnostic and prognostic uncertainty complicates decision making, as does scepticism towards evidence-based recommendations. Discordance within the patient-doctor relationship contributed to this complexity. Regarding consultation modalities, a more in-depth consultation and shared decision making were seen as helpful in this process. We identified different factors as intervening against or for a straightforward management decision when dealing with women with uUTIs. They reveal the complexity behind the GPs' decision making. Providing GPs with easy-to-apply guidance while removing economic constraints to allocate sufficient consultation time, and supporting shared decision making may help GPs appropriately manage uUTIs in women.

The emotional impact of uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women in China and Japan: a qualitative study

BackgroundUncomplicated urinary tract infections (uUTIs) are one of the most common community-acquired infections, particularly among women. Common symptoms of UTI include dysuria, urinary urgency and increased frequency, and lower abdominal pain. With appropriate treatment, symptoms may resolve in a few days. However, there is a lack of research on the emotional impact of this disease. We conducted a qualitative, interview-based study to gain a greater understanding of the emotional impact of uUTIs in women in China and Japan.MethodsA qualitative, exploratory, in-depth, interview-based study was conducted between 19 November 2020 and 25 February 2021. Women aged ≥ 18 years who experienced ≥ 1 uUTI and received antibiotic treatment in the past year were eligible for inclusion. Participants must have experienced ≥ 1 of the following symptoms during a uUTI episode: urinary urgency, frequency, dysuria, or lower abdominal/suprapubic pain. Participants who reported back pain or fever (indicative of complicated UTI) were excluded. Participants with recurrent or sporadic UTIs were included, with specific screening criteria used to ensure capture of both groups. Following a screening call, a structured, in-depth telephone interview (~ 30 min in duration) was conducted by three female external moderators trained in qualitative interviewing, assisted by an interview guide. Interviews were analysed individually and thematically, with the results presented within the identified themes.ResultsA total of 65 women with uUTI completed the in-depth telephone interview: 40 (62%) from China and 25 (38%) from Japan. Participants reported that the symptoms of uUTI affected multiple aspects of their lives, and described feelings of embarrassment, frustration, guilt, dread, and loneliness associated with symptoms that interfered with relationships, work and daily activities, and sleep. Participants reported seeking healthcare from several different points of contact, from local pharmacies to hospitals.ConclusionsOur analysis highlights the profound emotional impact of uUTIs in women in China and Japan, and the journey these participants take before their initial interaction with a healthcare professional. These insights emphasise the need to better understand the full impact of uUTI, and the role of healthcare professionals in improved patient education and support.

Robotic simple cystectomy as a last resort for antibiotic-recalcitrant recurrent urinary tract infections in women

To report a series of women with antibiotic-recalcitrant recurrent urinary tract infections (rUTI) managed with robotic simple cystectomy and ileal conduit urinary diversion. Following Institutional Review Board approval, all female patients who underwent robotic cystectomy for rUTI between 2011-2021 were identified from a prospectively-maintained internal database at a tertiary care center. Exclusion criteria included interstitial cystitis, neurogenic bladder, urinary tract neoplasm, or congenital abnormality. Electronic medical records were reviewed by an independent researcher. Patients were also administered the Quality of Life Questionnaire-C30 (QLQ-C30). Twenty-four patients met inclusion criteria. Median age was 75 years (range 53-87). Median rUTI duration was 6 (interquartile range (IQR) 2-10) years. Median UTI count in the 12 months preceding cystectomy was 5 (IQR 3-9). Infections with multidrug resistant organisms were found in 21 patients (88%). The 30-day postoperative complication rate was 79% (19/24), of which 11% were Clavien-Dindo grade ≥III. The main late complication was parastomal hernia, with 17% requiring repair or revision. At a median of 36 months (range 12-61) post-operatively, the median QLQ-C30 global health status score was 50 (range 33-83). Cystectomy is a last-resort management option for women with severely symptomatic end-stage bladders in the setting of antibiotic-recalcitrant rUTI. Patients should be counseled thoroughly regarding possible acute and long-term postoperative complications. Select patients, managed in high-volume referral centers, can benefit from robotic simple cystectomy with ileal conduit urinary diversion.

MV140 sublingual vaccine proves promising in fighting recurrent urinary tract infections in women.

MV140 sublingual vaccine proves promising in fighting recurrent urinary tract infections in women.

Does regular ingestion of whole cranberries, cranberry juice, or products containing these as whole ingredients prevent recurrent urinary tract infections in women?

Does regular ingestion of whole cranberries, cranberry juice, or products containing these as whole ingredients prevent recurrent urinary tract infections in women?

Relationship between routine urinary catheterization and postoperative urinary symptoms and urinary tract infections in women undergoing elective caesarean section.

The aim of the study was to detect the relationship between routine urinary catheterization and postoperative urinary symptoms and urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women undergoing elective caesarean sections (ECSs). One hundred women undergoing ECSs were included in this observational study and randomized into a catheterized (C) group, including women who underwent ECS after insertion of indwelling Foley's catheter, and a non-catheterized (NC) group, including women who underwent ECS without Foley's catheter. The Foley's catheters were removed from all participants in the C group once they were freely ambulant and had recovered from the effect of the spinal anaesthesia. Participants were asked about any abnormal postoperative urinary symptoms (dysuria, frequency, urgency, and/or urinary retention), and to collect urine samples (mid-stream) once they were freely ambulant for urine cultures. The postoperative dysuria, frequency, and urgency were significantly higher in the C group compared to the NC group [36% (18/50), 40% (20/50), and 34% (17/50) vs. 8% (4/50), 6% (3/50), and 6% (3/50), respectively], (p = 0.006, 0.001 and 0.004, respectively). The urinary tract infections and the postoperative antimicrobials used were significantly higher in the C group compared to the NC group [40% (20/50) and 40% (20/50) vs. 6% (3/50) and 6% (3/50), respectively], (p = 0.001 and 0.001, respectively). The postoperative hospital-stay after the ECSs was significantly higher in the C group compared to the NC group (5.4 ±1.8 days vs. 3.8 ±1.15, respectively), (p = 0.001). Routine urinary catheterizations in women undergoing ECS significantly increase the odds of postoperative dysuria, frequency, urgency, UTIs, and the postoperative antimicrobials used.

Extreme pubic hair removal as a potential risk factor for recurrent urinary tract infections in women

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the most common infections experienced by women. Previously, scalp and facial hair in men have been shown to inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria. Here we hypothesize that having hairy genitalia might protect women from UTI. This study investigated grooming habits and occurrence of UTIs in the past 12 months in 2409 women (aged 18–45). Women who reported removing all their pubic hair at least weekly were defined as extreme groomers (66.8%). We collected additional information on covariates including age, having a first UTI at or before age 15, spermicide use, having a new sex partner, and frequency of sexual intercourse during the past year. Extreme grooming was not associated with the risk of being diagnosed with UTI (OR = 1.17, 95% CI = 0.90–1.52), but was associated with a higher risk of recurrent UTIs, defined as three or more UTIs within 12 months (OR = 3.09, 95% CI = 1.35–7.06), after controlling for age, history of UTIs, and sexual practices. Other studies have found that hygienic purposes are the most common motivations for pubic hair removal. These results suggest that along with their pubes, women may be getting rid of important microbial niche and protection against recurrent UTIs.

Effects of a multimodal intervention in primary care to reduce second line antibiotic prescriptions for urinary tract infections in women: parallel, cluster randomised, controlled trial

ObjectivesTo evaluate whether a multimodal intervention in general practice reduces the proportion of second line antibiotic prescriptions and the overall proportion of antibiotic prescriptions for uncomplicated urinary tract infections in...

MV140 sublingual vaccine reduces recurrent urinary tract infection in women Results from the first North American clinical experience study.

This is the first North American clinical evidence for MV140, a novel bacterial sublingual vaccine, developed for prevention of recurrent urinary tract infection (UTI) in women. Female subjects with ≥3 documented UTIs/year underwent three-month vaccination treatment, nine-month efficacy period, and optional three-month followup (total 15 months). Primary outcome was no clinically diagnosed UTI following vaccination (UTI-free rate). Secondary outcomes included absolute, mean, and median overall reduction in UTI compared to pre-vaccination, quality of life, global response assessment, patient satisfaction, microbiology, and safety. Sixty-seven subjects (mean age 56 years, range 18-80) were enrolled; 64 completed the vaccination period and at least one post-vaccination assessment. Prior to vaccination, subjects reported a mean 6.8 UTIs/year. The UTI-free rate for the nine-month efficacy period was 40.6%. Compared to the infection rate in the year prior to vaccination, the reduction was 75.3% for the nine-month efficacy period post-vaccination. At 12-month followup, 80.3% reported that they were moderately/markedly improved; 58.1% were mostly satisfied, pleased, or delighted, while mean quality of life score improved by 1.5 points. Fourteen of the adverse events in nine subjects were potentially related to the vaccine - all mild and resolved by three months. None of the 13 serious adverse events were related to vaccine. This first-in-North-America, prospective case series with the sublingual vaccine, MV140, adds further clinical evidence to its safety and effectiveness in reducing recurrent UTIs in women.

Recurrent and complicated urinary tract infections in women: Utility of advanced testing to enhance care.

The United States currently faces a public health crisis with regarding to antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and new urinary tract infection (UTI) diagnostics are needed. Women with recurrent UTI (rUTI) and complicated UTI (cUTI) are at particular risk given their complexity and the paucity of adequate testing modalities. The standard urine culture (SUC) is the cornerstone for diagnosis, but it has many shortcomings. These pitfalls lead to dissatisfaction and frustration among women afflicted with rUTI and cUTI, as well as overuse of antibiotics. One innovation is PCR UTI testing, which has been shown to outperform SUC among symptomatic women. This article discusses UTI PCR testing, as well as a possible role in clinical practice. Published literature was reviewed and summarized. Management of rUTI and cUTI is complex, and providers should have all diagnostics available to facilitate providing optimal care. Urine PCR testing faces reimbursement issues despite fulfilling clinical indication parameters as described by insurance companies. The role of UTI PCR testing remains unclear. Reimbursement issues have led to underuse and limited real-world outcomes reinforcing benefit. This study proposes an algorithm for PCR testing among women with rUTI and cUTI.

Phytotherapy (BNO 1045) of Acute Lower Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infection in Women Normalizes Local Host Responses

Acute lower uncomplicated urinary tract infection (uUTI) affects a large proportion of women. Increased antimicrobial resistance has created an urgent need for novel therapeutics and the phytotherapeutic drug BNO 1045 (Canephron® N) has previously been shown to be noninferior to standard antimicrobial stewardship. This sub-analysis from a randomized, double-blind, controlled phase III noninferiority clinical trial using BNO 1045 versus fosfomycin to treat uUTI aimed to determine how urine cytokine levels are altered by the two different treatments. Methods. Urine samples from a predefined subset of women diagnosed with uUTI (18–70 years) and treated with BNO 1045 (n=58) or fosfomycin (n=69) were analyzed for urine levels of IL-6 and IL-8, using analyte-to-creatinine ratios. Results. BNO 1045 treatment showed similar effects to fosfomycin treatment in reducing both urine IL-6 and IL-8 levels. Mean IL-6 and IL-8 levels were markedly reduced in all patients regardless of treatment. BNO 1045 treatment decreased urine IL-8 significantly (p=0.0142) and showed a trend toward reduction of urine IL-6 (p=0.0551). Fosfomycin treatment reduced both IL-6 and IL-8 levels significantly (p=0.0038, &lt;0.0001 respectively). Conclusion. BNO 1045 is, in addition to reducing symptoms, comparable to fosfomycin treatment in reducing the local inflammatory response associated with uUTI.