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Circumcision and periurethral carriage of Proteus mirabilis in boys
Archives of Disease in Childhood
|May 1, 1988
Abstract:
Swabs were taken for culture from the periurethral area and urethral meatus in 124 uncircumcised and 60 circumcised boys. Proteus mirabilis was grown from 28 (22.6%) swabs from uncircumcised boys and from only one (1.7%) swab from circumcised boys. This supports the idea that the prepuce may be the source of proteus urinary tract infection.
Insights
The foreskin (prepuce) may harbor Proteus mirabilis, a common cause of urinary tract infections (UTIs). Uncircumcised boys showed significantly higher rates of this bacteria compared to circumcised boys, suggesting a link.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Urology
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common in children.
- Proteus mirabilis is a significant pathogen causing UTIs.
- The role of the prepuce in harboring UTI-causing bacteria is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between the prepuce and Proteus mirabilis colonization.
- To compare the prevalence of Proteus mirabilis in the periurethral area of circumcised and uncircumcised boys.
Main Methods:
- Swabs were collected from the periurethral area and urethral meatus.
- Cultures were performed on 124 uncircumcised and 60 circumcised boys.
- Bacterial growth, specifically Proteus mirabilis, was identified and quantified.
Main Results:
- Proteus mirabilis was isolated from 22.6% of uncircumcised boys.
- Only 1.7% of circumcised boys yielded Proteus mirabilis in cultures.
- A statistically significant difference in colonization rates was observed between the two groups.
Conclusions:
- The prepuce may serve as a reservoir for Proteus mirabilis.
- Circumcision may reduce the risk of Proteus mirabilis colonization in the periurethral area.
- These findings suggest the prepuce is a potential source for Proteus-related UTIs in boys.