Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Theresa Gaffney
Published on 2024-03-01 19:00:51
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common ailment affecting millions of people globally each year. A perplexing medical mystery surrounding UTIs is the occurrence of symptoms in some individuals without any signs of bacteria, even after antibiotic treatment. A recent study from Duke University sheds light on a potential molecular mechanism behind this phenomenon. Researchers found that in mice with recurrent UTIs, the immune response in the bladder led to an overgrowth of nerves, causing pelvic pain and frequent urination – symptoms commonly experienced by individuals with recurrent UTIs.
The findings of this study suggest a new approach to managing UTIs, particularly in cases where antibiotics may not be necessary. The traditional methods of diagnosing UTIs involve urine tests that may not always detect infections, especially in women. This challenge highlights the need for a better understanding of recurrent UTIs and the associated symptoms, which predominantly affect women. The lack of research and funding for UTIs, a disease that primarily impacts women, has contributed to a historical struggle in addressing the condition effectively.
Researchers analyzed bladder biopsies from women with recurrent UTIs who exhibited symptoms without detectable bacteria in their urine. They discovered an increased nerve activity in these women, indicating a potential link to the symptoms experienced. Further studies in mice with recurrent UTIs confirmed the presence of increased nerve activity and identified mast cells as the source of nerve growth factor responsible for nerve overgrowth in the bladder.
Treatment with an antibody that neutralized the nerve growth factor alleviated the symptoms in mice, pointing towards a potential therapeutic approach for managing UTIs. The study also raised questions about the duration of nerve overgrowth post-infection and the possibility of reversing it. More research is needed to understand the mechanisms behind recurrent UTIs and explore alternative treatments that address the pathology rather than relying solely on antibiotics.
Concerns about antibiotic resistance have prompted a reevaluation of current UTI treatment strategies, with the possibility of combining antibiotics with drugs targeting nerve growth factor. The study emphasizes the importance of conducting further research to develop better diagnostic tests and treatment options for UTIs. Understanding the underlying factors contributing to recurrent UTIs and the associated symptoms is essential for improving the management of this prevalent condition that affects millions of individuals worldwide, particularly women.
