Genetic Risk for Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections in Humans: A Systematic Review

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a frequent cause of morbidity in children and adults and affect up to 10% of children; its recurrence rate is estimated at 30–40%. UTI may occur in up to 50% of all women in their lifetimes and frequently require medication. Recent advances have suggested that a deregulation of candidate genes in humans may predispose patients to recurrent UTI. The identification of a genetic component of UTI recurrences will make it possible to diagnose at-risk adults and to predict genetic recurrences in their offspring. Six out of 14 genes investigated in humans may be associated with susceptibility to recurrent UTI in humans. In particular, the HSPA1B, CXCR1 & 2, TLR2, TLR4, TGF-1 genes seem to be associated with an alteration of the host response to UTIs at various levels.

Download Full-text

Increased fluid intake to prevent urinary tract infections: systematic review and meta-analysis

British Journal of General Practice ◽

10.3399/bjgp20x708125 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 70 (692) ◽

pp. e200-e207 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Anna Mae Scott ◽

Justin Clark ◽

Chris Del Mar ◽

Paul Glasziou

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

At Risk ◽

Urinary Tract ◽

Urinary Tract Infections ◽

Primary Outcome ◽

Fluid Intake ◽

Risk Of Bias ◽

Antimicrobial Use ◽

Recurrent Utis ◽

Tract Infections

BackgroundApproximately 15% of community-prescribed antibiotics are used in treating urinary tract infections (UTIs). Increase in antibiotic resistance necessitates considering alternatives.AimTo assess the impact of increased fluid intake in individuals at risk for UTIs, for impact on UTI recurrence (primary outcome), antimicrobial use, and UTI symptoms (secondary outcomes).Design and settingA systematic review.MethodThe authors searched PubMed, Cochrane CENTRAL, EMBASE, two trial registries, and conducted forward and backward citation searches of included studies in January 2019. Randomised controlled trials of individuals at risk for UTIs were included; comparisons with antimicrobials were excluded. Different time-points (≤6 months and 12 months) were compared for the primary outcome. Risk of bias was assessed using Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Meta-analyses were undertaken where ≥3 studies reported the same outcome.ResultsEight studies were included; seven were meta-analysed. There was a statistically non-significant reduction in the number of patients with any UTI recurrence in the increased fluid intake group compared with control after 12 months (odds ratio [OR] 0.39, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.15 to 1.03, P = 0.06); reduction was significant at ≤6 months (OR 0.13, 95% CI = 0.07 to 0.25, P<0.001). Excluding studies with low volume of fluid (<200 ml) significantly favoured increased fluid intake (OR 0.25, 95% CI = 0.11 to 0.59, P = 0.001). Increased fluid intake reduced the overall rate of all recurrent UTIs (rate ratio [RR] 0.46, 95% CI = 0.40 to 0.54, P<0.001); there was no difference in antimicrobial use (OR 0.52, 95% CI = 0.25 to 1.07, P = 0.08). Paucity of data precluded meta-analysing symptoms.ConclusionGiven the minimal potential for harm, patients with recurrent UTIs could be advised to drink more fluids to reduce recurrent UTIs. Further research is warranted to establish the optimal volume and type of increased fluid.

Download Full-text