Longitudinal multi-omics analyses link gut microbiome dysbiosis with recurrent urinary tract infections in women.

Nat Microbiol
Authors
Keywords
Abstract

Recurrent urinary tract infections (rUTIs) are a major health burden worldwide, with history of infection being a significant risk factor. While the gut is a known reservoir for uropathogenic bacteria, the role of the microbiota in rUTI remains unclear. We conducted a year-long study of women with (n = 15) and without (n = 16) history of rUTI, from whom we collected urine, blood and monthly faecal samples for metagenomic and transcriptomic interrogation. During the study 24 UTIs were reported, with additional samples collected during and after infection. The gut microbiome of individuals with a history of rUTI was significantly depleted in microbial richness and butyrate-producing bacteria compared with controls, reminiscent of other inflammatory conditions. However, Escherichia coli gut and bladder populations were comparable between cohorts in both relative abundance and phylogroup. Transcriptional analysis of peripheral blood mononuclear cells revealed expression profiles indicative of differential systemic immunity between cohorts. Altogether, these results suggest that rUTI susceptibility is in part mediated through the gut-bladder axis, comprising gut dysbiosis and differential immune response to bacterial bladder colonization, manifesting in symptoms.

Year of Publication
2022
Journal
Nat Microbiol
Volume
7
Issue
5
Pages
630-639
Date Published
2022 May
ISSN
2058-5276
DOI
10.1038/s41564-022-01107-x
PubMed ID
35505248
Links
Grant list
U01AI095542 / U.S. Department of Health & Human Services | National Institutes of Health (NIH)
U01AI095542 / U.S. Department of Health & Human Services | National Institutes of Health (NIH)
U19AI110818 / U.S. Department of Health & Human Services | NIH | National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)