Emerging Non-Antibiotic Options Targeting Uropathogenic Mechanisms for Recurrent Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infection

Enterobacter cloacae from urinary tract infections: frequency, protein analysis, and antimicrobial resistance

The genus Enterobacter belongs to the ESKAPE group, which includes Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter spp. This group is characterized by the development of resistance to various antibiotics. In recent years, Enterobacter cloacae (E. cloacae) has emerged as a clinically important pathogen responsible for a wide range of healthcare-associated illnesses. Identifying Enterobacter species can be challenging due to their similar phenotypic characteristics. The emergence of multidrug-resistant E. cloacae is also a significant problem in healthcare settings. Therefore, our study aimed to identify and differentiate E. cloacae using Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) as a fast and precise proteomic analytical technique. We also tested hospital-acquired E. cloacae isolates that produce Extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL) against commonly used antibiotics for treating urinary tract infections (UTIs). We used a total of 189 E. cloacae isolates from 2300 urine samples of patients with UTIs in our investigation. We employed culturing techniques, as well as the BD Phoenix™ automated identification system (Becton, Dickinson) and Analytical Profile Index (API) system for the biochemical identification of E. cloacae isolates. We used the MALDI Biotyper (MBT) device for peptide mass fingerprinting analysis of all isolates. We utilized the single peak intensities and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) created by MBT Compass software to discriminate and cluster the E. cloacae isolates. Additionally, we evaluated the sensitivity and resistance of ESBL-E. cloacae isolates using the Kirby Bauer method. Out of the 189 E. cloacae isolates, the BD Phoenix system correctly identified 180 (95.24%) isolates, while the API system correctly identified 165 (87.30%) isolates. However, the MBT accurately identified 185 (98.95%) isolates with a score of 2.00 or higher. PCA positively discriminated the identified E. cloacae isolates into one group, and prominent peaks were noticed between 4230 mass-to-charge ratio (m/z) and 8500 m/z. The ESBL-E. cloacae isolates exhibited a higher degree of resistance to ampicillin, amoxicillin-clavulanate, cephalothin, cefuroxime, and cefoxitin. Several isolates were susceptible to carbapenems (meropenem, imipenem, and ertapenem); however, potential future resistance against carbapenems should be taken into consideration. In conclusion, MALDI-TOF MS is a powerful and precise technology that can be routinely used to recognize and differentiate various pathogens in clinical samples. Additionally, the growing antimicrobial resistance of this bacterium may pose a significant risk to human health.

A Bird's-Eye View of the Pathophysiologic Role of the Human Urobiota in Health and Disease: Can We Modulate It?

For a long time, urine has been considered sterile in physiological conditions, thanks to the particular structure of the urinary tract and the production of uromodulin or Tamm-Horsfall protein (THP) by it. More recently, thanks to the development and use of new technologies, i.e., next-generation sequencing and expanded urine culture, the identification of a microbial community in the urine, the so-called urobiota, became possible. Major phyla detected in the urine are represented by Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, and Actinobacteria. Particularly, the female urobiota is largely represented by Lactobacillus spp., which are very active against urinary pathogenic Escherichia (E.) coli (UPEC) strains via the generation of lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide. Gut dysbiosis accounts for recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs), so-called gut-bladder axis syndrome with the formation of intracellular bacterial communities in the course of acute cystitis. However, other chronic urinary tract infections are caused by bacterial strains of intestinal derivation. Monomicrobial and polymicrobial infections account for the outcome of acute and chronic UTIs, even including prostatitis and chronic pelvic pain. E. coli isolates have been shown to be more invasive and resistant to antibiotics. Probiotics, fecal microbial transplantation, phage therapy, antimicrobial peptides, and immune-mediated therapies, even including vaccines for the treatment of UTIs, will be described.

Should hormone replacement therapy (any route of administration) be considered in all postmenopausal women with lower urinary tract symptoms? Report from the ICI-RS 2023

AIMS

This International Consultation on Incontinence-Research Society report aims to summarize the evidence and uncertainties regarding the use of hormone replacement therapy by any route in the management of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) including recurrent urinary tract infections (rUTI), with a review of special considerations for the elderly. Research question proposals to further this field have been highlighted.

METHODS

An overview of the existing evidence, guidelines, and consensus regarding the use of topical or systemic estrogens in the management of LUTS.

RESULTS

There are currently evidence and recommendations to offer topical estrogens to postmenopausal women with overactive bladder symptoms as well as postmenopausal women with rUTIs. Systemic estrogens however have been shown in a meta-analysis to have a negative effect on LUTS and, therefore are not currently recommended.

CONCLUSIONS

Although available evidence and recommendations exist for the use of topical estrogens, few women are commenced on these in primary care. There remain large gaps still within our knowledge of the use of estrogens within the management of LUTS, particularly on when it should be commenced, the length of time treatment should be continued for, and barriers to prescribing.

Effect of DMPEI coating against biofilm formation on PVC catheter surface

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a significant cause of morbidity in healthcare systems and are prominently associated with applying urethral catheters, particularly in surgeries. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is extensively utilized in the fabrication of catheters. Biofilms, complex polymeric constructions, provide a protective milieu for cell multiplication and the enhancement of antibiotic resistance. Strategies to counteract biofilm development on medical apparatuses' surfaces incorporate antimicrobial agents such as N,N-dodecyl, and methyl polyethylenimine (DMPEI). This research endeavored to characterize the morphology of PVC and PVC-DMPEI surfaces utilizing Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and to gauge hydrophobicity through contact angle measurements. Employing Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans in adhesion assays enabled the assessment of DMPEI's efficacy in preventing microbial adherence to PVC. Butanol successfully solubilized 2 mg.mL-1 DMPEI without altering the PVC structure. SEM results substantiated the formation of a DMPEI layer on the PVC surface, which led to decreased surface roughness, as validated by AFM, and increased hydrophilicity, as demonstrated by contact angle evaluations. E. coli, S. aureus, and C. albicans exhibited significant adhesion reduction, 89.3%, 94.3%, and 86.6% on PVC-DMPEI surfaces. SEM visualizations confirmed reduced cellular colonization on PVC-DMPEI and highlighted considerable morphological modifications in E. coli. Consequently, DMPEI films effectively minimize the adhesion of E. coli, S. aureus, and C. albicans on PVC surfaces. DMPEI, with its potential as a protective coating for innovative medical devices, promises to inhibit biofilm adherence effectively.

Hygiene management of intermittent self-catheterization using reusable silicone catheters in people with spinal cord lesions: A cross-sectional Internet survey in Japan

OBJECTIVES

To investigate hygiene management and catheter maintenance of reusable silicone catheters for intermittent self-catheterization (ISC) in Japan and examine their relationship with symptomatic urinary tract infection (sUTI).

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional Internet survey of people performing ISC using reusable silicone catheters owing to spinal cord lesions in Japan. Hygiene management and catheter maintenance of reusable silicone catheters and the incidence and frequency of sUTI were evaluated. We also examined the significant risk factors for sUTI.

RESULTS

Of 136 respondents, 62 (46%), 41 (30%), and 58 (43%) washed hands with water, washed hands with soap, and cleaned or disinfected the urethral meatus every time or most of the time before ISC, respectively. No significant difference was observed in the incidence and frequency of sUTI between respondents who adhered to these procedures and those who did not. There were no significant differences in the incidence and frequency of sUTI in respondents who changed their catheters every month and in those who changed their preservation solution within 2 days compared with those who did not. In multivariate analysis, pain during ISC, inconvenience of indoor mobility, bowel management problems, and participants' feeling of never having received instruction on catheter replacement were significant risk factors for sUTI.

CONCLUSIONS

There are individual differences in hygiene management and catheter maintenance of reusable silicone catheters, but the influence of these differences on the incidence and frequency of sUTI is not clear. Pain during ISC, bowel management problems, and inadequate instruction on catheter maintenance procedures are factors associated with sUTI.