Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections and Asymptomatic Bacteriuria in Adults

Impact of Urinary Tract and Vaginal Infections on the Physical and Emotional Well-being of Women

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is a common bacterial infection that can affect various parts of the urinary system, with symptoms including frequent urination, painful urination, and lower back pain. UTIs are more common in women due to their shorter urethra, and they can lead to serious complications if left untreated. Vaginitis is an inflammation or infection of the vagina caused by factors like bacteria, fungi (Candida), or protozoa (Trichomonas). Symptoms include vaginal itching, abnormal discharge, and discomfort during urination or sexual activity. Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may involve antifungal or antimicrobial medications. Vaginal infections, such as bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, trichomoniasis, cervicitis, and atrophic vaginitis, can have various physical, emotional, sexual, and social impacts on the lives of women. These impacts may include discomfort, embarrassment, reduced sexual satisfaction, social isolation, and emotional distress. Support and resources for managing these infections include healthcare providers who can diagnose and prescribe treatment, pharmacies that provide medications and guidance, telemedicine for remote consultations and prescriptions, support groups for emotional and informational support, and online resources for reliable information. They offer a sense of community, information sharing, and emotional support, making it easier for individuals to manage their vaginitis and related concerns. Utilizing these resources can contribute to a more informed and empowered approach to vaginal infection prevention and treatment.

The asymptomatic bacteriuria in the patients with epilepsy: A cross-sectional study

Background

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by repetitive unprovoked seizures. While certain anti-seizure medications have been linked to urinary tract infections, limited information exists on the occurrence and risk factors of asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) in individuals with epilepsy. This study aims to investigate the prevalence and factors associated with ASB in patients with epilepsy.

Method

A cross-sectional study was conducted, enrolling patients with epilepsy and healthy adults as controls. All participants underwent urine analyses during follow-ups at an epilepsy special clinic. Data on epilepsy-related factors were thoroughly collected and analyzed. Descriptive statistics and a logistic regression model were employed to identify the prevalence and risk factors of ASB in patients with epilepsy.

Results

The study encompassed 200 patients with epilepsy, compared to 100 healthy controls. The prevalence of ASB in the epilepsy group was significantly higher than in the healthy controls (34.0 % versus 16.2 %, p = 0.001). The logistic regression model identified factors statistically associated with ASB in epilepsy, including gender (female) (p < 0.001), proteinuria (p = 0.021), and the use of oxcarbazepine (p = 0.011). Interestingly, lamotrigine demonstrated a protective effect against ASB (p = 0.023), along with age (p = 0.015) in this study. Moreover, patients with and without ASB exhibited a similar rate of 12 months of seizure freedom.

Conclusion

The prevalence of ASB is elevated in epilepsy, with identified risk factors including gender (female), proteinuria, and the use of the anti-seizure medication oxcarbazepine. Lamotrigine was found to be protective. These findings underscore the importance of clinician awareness, and careful monitoring of anti-seizure medication therapy.

Prevalence and relevant factors of nocturia and its impact on sleep quality in Chinese university students

The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence and relevant factors of nocturia and its impact on sleep quality in university students in Mainland China. A large-scale survey was conducted on 14,000 university students from 3 universities in Henan province, China by using an anonymous questionnaire. The questionnaire collected the information from the past six months. The relationships between the prevalence of nocturia and its relevant factors were evaluated. A total of 13,874 questionnaires were collected and 13,104 qualified for statistical analysis. A total of 659 students suffered from clinically relevant nocturia (CRN) (4.56% in male and 5.34% in female). Both univariate analysis and the logistic stepwise regression model showed that the prevalence of nocturia was significantly related to female, history of enuresis, ease of waking up, urgency, frequency and RUTI (P < 0.05). The sleep quality and the university entrance score of CRN group was significantly lower than that of control group (P < 0.05). Nocturia was common in Chinese university students and showed a negative impact on sleep and academic performance. Gender of female, history of enuresis, ease of waking up, urgency, frequency and RUTI were relevant factors for CRN.

Young Women's Attitudes and Behaviors in Treatment and Prevention of UTIs: Are Biomedical Students at an Advantage?

We wanted to investigate whether students who study within biomedical fields (i.e., medicine, pharmacy science) differ from those whose studies are not connected to the biomedical field in terms of their attitudes and behaviors related to urinary tract infections (UTIs). This was a cross-sectional survey-based study conducted among 392 female students, of whom 243 attended a biomedical school and 149 (38.0%) attended a non-biomedical school, using a previously published tool. The survey was distributed as an online link via student representatives at different faculties. Only 22 (5.6%) of women felt that they could not recognize a UTI. A greater proportion of biomedical students wiped front to back, while significantly more non-biomedical students chose cotton underwear and avoided daily sanitary pads compared to biomedical students. As many as 215 (54.8%) women stated that they used cranberry preparations. Biomedical students showed greater awareness about possible resistance to repeated treatment (p = 0.002) and greater knowledge of possible interactions of antibiotics (p < 0.001). This study reveals that young women are confident in recognizing an UTIs, are open to alternative treatments, and would consider UTI management in a pharmacy setting. However, it reveals that there might be gaps in their knowledge regarding antibiotic resistance risks, possible interactions, and efficacy of available preparations, as participants from the group of biomedical students showed greater knowledge and different behaviors.

Emerging Role of Microbiome in the Prevention of Urinary Tract Infections in Children

The microbiome of the urinary tract plays a significant role in maintaining health through the impact on bladder homeostasis. Urobiome is of great importance in maintaining the urothelial integrity and preventing urinary tract infection (UTI), as well as promoting local immune function. Dysbiosis in this area has been linked to an increased risk of UTIs, nephrolithiasis, and dysfunction of the lower urinary tract. However, the number of studies in the pediatric population is limited, thus the characteristic of the urobiome in children, its role in a child's health, and pediatric urologic diseases are not completely understood. This review aims to characterize the healthy urobiome in children, the role of dysbiosis in urinary tract infection, and to summarize the strategies to modification and reshape disease-prone microbiomes in pediatric patients with recurrent urinary tract infections.