Risk factors, demographic profiles, and management of uncomplicated recurrent urinary tract infections: a single institution study

Novel Antimicrobial Approaches to Combat Bacterial Biofilms Associated with Urinary Tract Infections

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are prevalent bacterial infections in both community and healthcare settings. They account for approximately 40% of all bacterial infections and require around 15% of all antibiotic prescriptions. Although antibiotics have traditionally been used to treat UTIs for several decades, the significant increase in antibiotic resistance in recent years has made many previously effective treatments ineffective. Biofilm on medical equipment in healthcare settings creates a reservoir of pathogens that can easily be transmitted to patients. Urinary catheter infections are frequently observed in hospitals and are caused by microbes that form a biofilm after a catheter is inserted into the bladder. Managing infections caused by biofilms is challenging due to the emergence of antibiotic resistance. Biofilms enable pathogens to evade the host's innate immune defences, resulting in long-term persistence. The incidence of sepsis caused by UTIs that have spread to the bloodstream is increasing, and drug-resistant infections may be even more prevalent. While the availability of upcoming tests to identify the bacterial cause of infection and its resistance spectrum is critical, it alone will not solve the problem; innovative treatment approaches are also needed. This review analyses the main characteristics of biofilm formation and drug resistance in recurrent uropathogen-induced UTIs. The importance of innovative and alternative therapies for combatting biofilm-caused UTI is emphasised.

Knowledge is Key: Viewpoints of New Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections Guidelines

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate management patterns, measure familiarity with the new guidelines, and gauge the level of education and confidence in treating rUTIs according to recent guidelines, specifically in the context of trainee education. Recurrent urinary tract infections (rUTI) are a common urologic complaint and a heavy burden on the healthcare system. Until recently, the AUA did not have a guideline on the management of rUTIs.

METHODS

Participants were medical students (PGY3-4, n = 41), residents (n = 48), and fellows (n = 11) from a single institution (N = 100) from both urology and non-urology backgrounds. This prospective survey study measured demographic information, personal history of rUTI management, knowledge of the new guideline, personal practice patterns, and guideline education.

RESULTS

Trainees reported that they felt "slightly unknowledgeable" (M = 2.6/4, P < .001) about rUTI treatment, although level of knowledge increased with increased training level. Participants were asked about the new rUTI guidelines that were published in 2019, with urology trainees (M = 83.3%) more aware (P < .001) of their recent release compared to non-urology residents and fellows (M = 12.2%) and medical students (M = 7.5%). When looking specifically at peri- and postmenopausal women, antibiotic treatment was the highest recommendation for rUTI in both peri- (70.6%), and post-menopausal women (68.2%), followed by cranberry juice/extract (43.5% vs 42.4%). Providers were more likely to recommend vaginal estrogens for post-menopausal (45.9%) compared to perimenopausal (28.2%, P < .05) women.

CONCLUSION

Better trainee education about the current rUTI guidelines is warranted, including management of peri- and postmenopausal women which have specific guideline recommendations.