Science Weekly The infection that affects half of women and its link to antibiotic resistance
Jun 25, 2024
Dr Jennifer Rohn discusses the mysteries of urinary tract infections (UTIs) and their link to antibiotic resistance. They delve into the challenges of detecting UTIs accurately, the harrowing experiences of those with recurring undetected UTIs, and the urgent need for research into new treatment options like the Uramune vaccine and probiotics.
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UTI Causes and Risks
- A UTI is an infection of the urinary tract, mostly the bladder, caused by bacteria from the back passage.
- Women are most at risk due to anatomical proximity of urethra and back passage, with about half affected in their lifetime.
Bacteria Survival Tricks
- UTI bacteria cling to the bladder despite urine flow using sticky appendages and hide by burrowing into cells or forming biofilms.
- These strategies protect bacteria from immune response and antibiotics, making infections hard to eliminate.
Flawed UTI Diagnostic Tests
- Current UTI diagnostic tests like dipstick and urine culture are old and often miss infections.
- Bacteria hiding in biofilms or cells may not appear in urine, causing false negatives and difficulties in detection.