Prevention of recurrent urinary tract infections in women: antimicrobial and nonantimicrobial strategies

Infect Dis Clin North Am. 2014 Mar;28(1):135-47. doi: 10.1016/j.idc.2013.10.001. Epub 2013 Dec 7.

Abstract

Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common, especially in women. Low-dose daily or postcoital antimicrobial prophylaxis is effective for prevention of recurrent UTIs and women can self-diagnose and self-treat a new UTI with antibiotics. The increasing resistance rates of Escherichia coli to antimicrobial agents has, however, stimulated interest in nonantibiotic methods for the prevention of UTIs. This article reviews the literature on efficacy of different forms of nonantibiotic prophylaxis. Future studies with lactobacilli strains (oral and vaginal) and the oral immunostimulant OM-89 are warranted.

Keywords: Antimicrobial prophylaxis; Cranberries; Lactobacilli; Methenamine; Non-antimicrobial strategies; Recurrent urinary tract infections.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Antibiotic Prophylaxis*
  • Ascorbic Acid / therapeutic use
  • Bacterial Vaccines / therapeutic use
  • Estrogens / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lactobacillus
  • Recurrence
  • Self Care
  • Urinary Tract Infections / prevention & control*

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Bacterial Vaccines
  • Estrogens
  • Ascorbic Acid