An update on alternative therapy for Escherichia coli causing urinary tract infections; a narrative review

Photodiagnosis Photodyn Ther. 2024 Apr:46:104075. doi: 10.1016/j.pdpdt.2024.104075. Epub 2024 Apr 2.

Abstract

Background: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the most common type of nosocomial infection and severe health issues because of the difficulties and frequent recurrence. Today, alternative methods such as sonodynamic therapy (SDT), photodynamic therapy (PDT) and herbal materials use for treating infections like UTI in many countries.

Method: We conducted searches of the biomedical databases (Google Scholar, Scopus, PubMed, and Web of sciences) to identify related studies from 2008 to 2023.

Result: SDT aims to use ultrasound to activate a sonosensitizer, which causes a biological effect by raising reactive oxygen species (ROS). When bacteria are exposed to ROS, several important effects occur: oxidative damage, DNA damage, protein dysfunction etc. SDT with herbal medicine significantly reduced the number of colony-forming units and bactericidal activity for Klebsiella pneumonia and E. coli. PDT is a promising treatment for cancer and microbial infections, combining a photosensitiser, light and tissue molecular oxygen. It involves a photosensitizer, light source, and oxygen, with variations affecting microbial binding and bactericidal activity. Factors affecting antibacterial properties include plant type, growing conditions, harvesting, and processing. This review highlights the recent advancements in sonodynamic, photodynamic, herbal, and bio-material-based approaches in the treatment of E. coli infections.

Conclusions: These alternative therapies offer exciting prospects for addressing UTIs, especially in cases where traditional antibiotic treatments may be less effective. Further research and clinical studies are warranted to fully explore the potential of these innovative treatment modalities in combating UTIs and improving patient outcomes.

Keywords: Bio-material; Escherichia coli; Herbal-material; Photodynamic; Photodynamic therapy; Sonodynamic; UPEC; Urinary tract infection.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Complementary Therapies / methods
  • Escherichia coli / drug effects
  • Escherichia coli Infections / drug therapy
  • Escherichia coli Infections / therapy
  • Humans
  • Photochemotherapy* / methods
  • Photosensitizing Agents* / pharmacology
  • Photosensitizing Agents* / therapeutic use
  • Reactive Oxygen Species
  • Ultrasonic Therapy / methods
  • Urinary Tract Infections* / drug therapy
  • Urinary Tract Infections* / microbiology
  • Urinary Tract Infections* / therapy

Substances

  • Photosensitizing Agents
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Reactive Oxygen Species