A study reveals that bacteria hiding in the bladder wall to evade therapy may be the cause of persistent and recurring UTIs.
Bacteria’s capacity to hide in the bladder is thought to be the reason why some women experience symptoms long after taking an antibiotic course.
Researchers at University College London used human cells to create artificial bladders and then cultivated six different kinds of bacteria, including E. coli, within the lab organs.
With about eight layers of cells and the size of a five-pence coin, the lab-grown bladders are the most advanced in the world.
Every year, almost a quarter of a million people worldwide pass away from UTIs caused by superbug strains of the virus, and one in four UTIs return within six months.
The majority of UTI cases are treated with antibiotics; however, it was previously unknown why some cases persisted after treatment. Women are disproportionately affected by this illness, which frequently receives minimal funding.
The study’s principal author, Prof. Jennifer Rohn, reported that the team discovered a number of strategies the bacteria used to evade medication death.
“The significance of perseverance was one of the major findings,” she continued.
“Having tactics that enable you to evade treatment and conceal from immune cells that are on the prowl will enable you to remain a pathogen and fight another day.”
In order to survive in this hostile environment, several kinds of bugs, both good and harmful, developed pods inside the bladder wall.
“This won’t be a problem if the bug is friendly, but if it’s causing an infection, it will be difficult to diagnose and treat because the bacteria won’t always be in a position where oral antibiotics can reach them or be detected in a urine sample.”
A one-size-fits-all strategy for treating UTIs is unlikely to be successful, as evidenced by the range of reactions exhibited by the bacteria.
It was also discovered by the researchers that human cells are highly proficient at recognizing “friendly” bacteria.
Professor Rohn stated, “This study confirms what many women who have struggled with persistent UTIs already know: the current methods of diagnosing and treating these infections are inadequate.”
“Our national campaign to improve testing and diagnosis of chronic, persistent UTIs has benefited greatly from this research,” stated Carolyn Andrew, director of the Chronic Urinary Tract Infection Campaign.
Professor Rohn’s contributions to this subject represent a significant advancement that should aid in the detection and treatment of chronic bladder infections for tens of thousands of women in the UK.
