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Updated: May 29, 2026

Establishment and Characterization of UTI and CAUTI in a Mouse Model
Published on: June 23, 2015
Probiotic therapy: immunomodulating approach toward urinary tract infection
Sarika Amdekar1, Vinod Singh, Desh Deepak Singh
1Department of Microbiology, Barkatullah University, Hoshangabad Road, Habibganj, Bhopal, 462026 Madhya Pradesh, India.
Lactobacillus species combat urinary tract infections (UTIs) by maintaining a healthy genital environment and activating immune responses. This probiotic approach offers a new strategy against recurrent UTIs caused by bacteria like Escherichia coli.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Urology
Background:
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common, often caused by Escherichia coli, with high recurrence rates.
- Loss of Lactobacillus species in the genital microbiota correlates with increased UTI incidence.
- Antimicrobial agents are effective but do not prevent UTIs from recurring.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of Lactobacillus species in combating UTIs.
- To explore the potential of probiotics and Toll-like receptor (TLR) therapy for genitourinary health.
- To understand the immunomodulatory mechanisms of Lactobacillus species.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on Lactobacillus species, UTIs, and TLR signaling.
- Analysis of the interaction between Lactobacillus species, E. coli, and host immune pathways.
- Examination of TLR2 and TLR4 activation by probiotics and pathogens.
Main Results:
- Lactobacillus species maintain a low vaginal pH, produce hydrogen peroxide, and inhibit E. coli growth.
- Lactobacillus activates Toll-like receptor-2 (TLR2), leading to IL-10 and MyD88 production.
- E. coli activates TLR4, inducing IL-12, ERK, and JNK, which downregulate inflammation.
Conclusions:
- Lactobacillus species offer a promising probiotic strategy for UTI prevention and treatment.
- TLR-based therapies utilizing probiotics represent a novel approach to genitourinary health.
- Understanding these immune pathways can lead to the development of effective genitourinary vaccines.
Related Concept Videos
Urinary Tract Infection III: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care
Urinary Tract Infection II: Pathophysiology
Urinary Tract Infection I: Introduction
Urinary Tract Infection IV: Nursing Management
Probiotics
Microbiota of the Urogenital Tract

