The Bladder is Not Sterile: an Update on the Urinary Microbiome

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Urology
• Genomics

Background:

• Urine was once considered sterile, but recent studies reveal a diverse microbial community.
• Technological advancements have significantly improved the ability to study the urinary microbiome.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review techniques for studying bacterial urinary microbiota.
• To discuss the existence of non-bacterial urinary microbiota.
• To explore associations between urinary microbiota and benign lower urinary tract disorders.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature on urinary microbiome research.
• Analysis of studies employing advanced sequencing and bioinformatics.
• Consideration of urine sampling techniques and their impact on findings.

Main Results:

• Urine harbors a diverse microbial community, influencing bladder homeostasis.
• Urinary microbiome composition differs significantly in urologic conditions.
• Sex and age are major influencers of urinary microbiota, necessitating large, powered studies.
• Microbial patterns correlate with urologic diagnoses and treatment responses.

Conclusions:

• Understanding the variability and external influences on the urinary microbiome is crucial for disease pathophysiology.
• Host responses to the urinary microbiome are not well understood.
• Further research is needed to determine if manipulating the urinary microbiome can improve lower urinary tract health.