A Vaccine to Fight UTIs

Urinary tract infections are common and hard to treat. UTIs lead to more UTIs. Researchers report findings in the PNAS journal of a new vaccine delivered directly to the bladder that would help the body fight infection through reprograming. The vaccine would destroy bladder bacteria and help prevent further infection. Senior author of the study, Soman Abraham, PhD, stated that “There are currently no effective UTI vaccines available for use in the U.S. in spite of the high prevalence of bladder infections.” About half of the female population will be affected by at least 1 UTI over the course of their life.

Abraham continued: “Our study describes the potential for a highly effective bladder vaccine that can not only destroy residual bladder bacteria, but also prevent future infections." The study concluded, “This mode of vaccination was effective even in mice that experienced multiple UTIs and displayed pronounced aberrant bladder immune responses.” The vaccine works in mouse models and human studies are called for.

 

Access the journal article.

Read the press release.

Other Categories:

• research/study

• vaccine

• women's health