Could an iron-grabbing molecule help prevent Urinary Tract Infections?

Ann Arbor: For most invading bacteria, the bladder is not a friendly place. But for those that have figured out how to scavenge iron from their hosts, it’s a fine place to grow and reproduce. And for millions of women a year, that means painful, burning, potentially dangerous urinary tract infections. Now, in an ironic twist, scientists have turned that iron-scavenging power against the most common UTI-causing bacteria.

Chinese herbal medicine for treating recurrent urinary tract infections in women

Cochrane: Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common problem that can have a serious negative impact on well-being and healthcare costs. Although preventative antibiotics can help reduce numbers of recurrent infections, there are growing concerns about antibiotic resistance, side effects and the lack of long-term benefits from treatment. Consequently, alternative treatments such as Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) are being considered.

Boosting your bladder’s ability to battle bugs

Scimex: US researchers have reported on an experimental drug that is capable of extending the working life of a normally short-lived protein that defends against the bacteria that causes urinary tract infections. They say that the drug could be used as an alternative to current therapies, or could even be used to assist antibiotics. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common, and wide-spread antibiotic resistance has led to urgent calls for new ways to combat these infections. A study published on April 30th in PLOS Pathogens reports that an experimental drug that stabilizes the human immune defense protein HIF-1α can protect human bladder cells and mice against a major UTI pathogen, and it might provide a therapeutic alternative or complement to antibiotic treatment.

The effectiveness of blood testing in the management of pyelonephritis in pregnancy for improving outcomes

Cochrane: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common infection among women, with most women having developed a UTI at least once in their lifetime. Pyelonephritis, a UTI which affects the upper urinary tract and kidneys, is one of the most prevalent conditions that require hospitalisation among pregnant women.

Procalcitonin, C-reactive protein, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate for the diagnosis of acute pyelonephritis in children

Cochrane: In some children with urinary tract infection (UTI), the infection is localized to the bladder (lower urinary tract). In others, bacteria ascend from the bladder to the kidney (upper urinary tract). Only children with upper urinary tract involvement are at risk for developing permanent kidney damage. If non-invasive biomarkers could accurately differentiate children with lower urinary tract disease from children with upper urinary tract disease, treatment and follow-up could potentially be individualized. Accordingly, we examined the usefulness of three widely available blood tests (procalcitonin, C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate) in differentiating upper from lower urinary tract disease.

Urinary Tract Infection – Recurrent and Complicated

Author: Dr Anthony J. Schaeffer University of Chicago 2008-07-28

Recurrent and complicated urinary tract infections occur in both men and women, are a common cause of morbidity, and can lead to significant mortality. Management of these infections requires careful assessment of past history, risk factors, and a thorough evaluation of the urinary tract. This Knol discusses these urinary tract infections, how they occur, common misconceptions about them, and strategies for prevention and treatment.

Urinary Tract Infection in Women- Uncomplicated

Author: Dr Anthony J. Schaeffer University of Chicago 2008-07-28
Urinary tract infection in women is a common disorder that can be diagnosed and treated with simple and reliable techniques. The majority of these infections occur in a healthy woman with a normal urinary tract, and this article addresses the occurrence, misconceptions, and strategies for its prevention and treatment.