Why initial UTIs increase susceptibility to further infection
Researchers at the School of Medicine have discovered that an initial urinary tract infection (UTI) triggers changes to immune and other cells in the bladder that can prime the bladder to overreact to bacteria, worsening subsequent UTIs.
Chemical added to consumer products impairs response to antibiotic treatment
A new study led by Petra Levin in Arts & Sciences suggests that triclosan exposure may inadvertently drive bacteria into a state in which they are able to tolerate normally lethal concentrations of antibiotics — including those antibiotics that are commonly used to treat urinary tract infections.
A person’s diet, acidity of urine may affect susceptibility to UTIs
The acidity of urine — as well as the presence of small molecules related to diet — may influence how well bacteria can grow in the urinary tract, a new study shows. The research, led by Jeffrey Henderson, MD, PhD, at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, may have implications for treating urinary tract infections, which are among the most common bacterial infections worldwide.
In mice, vaccine stops urinary tract infections linked to catheters
The most common type of hospital-associated infection may be preventable with a vaccine, new research in mice suggests. The experimental vaccine, created by School of Medicine researchers, prevented urinary tract infections associated with catheters, the tubes that hospitals and other care facilities insert to drain urine from the bladder.
Students participate in inaugural global health research program
Washington University’s Global Health Center selected five WUSTL students for its inaugural summer research program, which paired students with faculty mentors to explore issues such as malnutrition, maternal health and access to health care. Pictured is program participant Laura Bliss, a second-year medical student.
Painkillers may decrease susceptibility to recurring urinary infections
Women plagued by repeated urinary tract infections may be able to prevent them with help from over-the-counter painkillers, new research in mice shows. School of Medicine scientists found that inhibiting an immune protein that causes inflammation eliminated recurrent urinary tract infections in mice.
Antibiotics prevent some hospital UTIs
Urinary tract infections are among the most common infections acquired in hospitals, with most linked to the use of catheters. New research suggests that some urinary tract infections could be prevented if patients receive an antibiotic at the time they have a urinary catheter removed.
Urinary tract infections steal from hosts’ defense arsenals
Humans have known for centuries that copper is a potent weapon against infection. New research shows that the bacteria that cause serious urinary tract infections “know” this, too, and steal copper to prevent the metal from being used against them. Blocking this thievery with a drug may significantly improve patients’ chances
of fighting off infections, according to researchers.
Discovery helps mice beat urinary tract infections
Scientists at Washington University School of Medicine
in St. Louis have found new clues to why some urinary tract infections
recur persistently after multiple rounds of treatment. Their research, conducted in mice, suggests that the
bacteria that cause urinary tract infections take advantage of a
cellular waste disposal system that normally helps fight invaders.
Drug clears chronic urinary infections in mice
An experimental treatment for urinary tract infections has easily passed its first test in animals, alleviating weeks-long infections in mice in as little as six hours.
View More Stories