Urinary microbiota; Which non-ınvasive urine collection method should we use?

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Microbiology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Urinary tract infections and bladder cancer research increasingly focus on the urinary microbiome.
• Standardized, non-invasive methods for urine sample collection are crucial for reliable microbiota analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the optimal non-invasive urine sample collection method for microbiota studies.
• To compare the microbial composition of first voided versus midstream urine samples.

Main Methods:

• Urine samples were collected from 12 men with bladder carcinoma using both first voided and midstream methods.
• Bacterial 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing (V3-V4 regions) was performed.
• Microbiota composition was analyzed at multiple taxonomic levels, with statistical comparison using the Wilcoxon test.

Main Results:

• A diverse range of bacteria including 8 phyla, 14 classes, 23 orders, 39 families, and 29 genera were identified.
• No statistically significant differences in overall bacterial groups were found between first voided and midstream samples.
• Minor differences were observed only for Clostridiales (order) and Clostridia (class).

Conclusions:

• Both first voided and midstream urine samples are appropriate for urinary microbiota studies.
• The choice of collection method does not significantly impact 16S ribosomal RNA-based microbiota analysis results.