Bacterial Colonization as a Possible Source of Overactive Bladder Symptoms in Pediatric Patients: A Literature Review

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Microbiology
• Pediatrics

Background:

• Overactive bladder (OAB) significantly impacts quality of life.
• The exact causes of OAB are not fully understood.
• Urinary microbiome dysbiosis is a potential contributing factor to OAB.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review evidence linking urinary microbiome to OAB in children and adolescents.
• To identify knowledge gaps and future research directions.
• To explore the role of bacterial colonization in pediatric OAB symptoms.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on urinary microbiome and OAB.
• Analysis of existing data on adult OAB and urinary tract bacteria.
• Identification of research gaps in the pediatric population.

Main Results:

• Growing evidence suggests a link between urinary microbiome and OAB in adults.
• No studies directly address the urinary microbiome in pediatric OAB.
• Significant knowledge gaps exist regarding pediatric OAB pathophysiology.

Conclusions:

• The urinary microbiome is a potential area of research for pediatric OAB.
• Further preclinical and clinical studies are needed to validate this concept in children.
• Understanding the pediatric urinary microbiome may lead to new OAB treatments.