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Updated: Sep 30, 2025
An In Vitro Bladder Model of Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection
Published on: June 24, 2025
[Biofilm control in urological practice]
A V Aitsev1,2,3, A O Vasilyev1,2,3, A A Shiryaev1,2,3
1A.I. Yevdokimov Moscow State University of Medicine and Dentistry, Moscow, Russian Federation.
Abstract:
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) have long been among the most common diseases. In the structure of the general infectious morbidity, UTIs rank second after acute respiratory viral infection. Every year, researchers note an increasing number of mutations in the genomes of bacteria that cause infectious diseases, which leads to the formation of more and more aggressive forms of pathogens. Patients with infectious diseases of the urinary system have the highest risk of biofilm formation, the frequency of which is directly proportional to the length of time the urethral catheter is located and accounts for more than half of all nosocomial infections. The presence of resistant strains of pathogenic bacteria and the development of bacterial biofilms are major problems in the treatment of urinary tract infections. The increasing number of nosocomial bacterial strains in the hospital increases the postoperative bed-day, the frequency of readmission and the number of antibacterial drugs used. In light of increasing antibacterial resistance, the use of medical resources is dramatically increasing, which ultimately leads to an increase in the cost of treatment. Along with this, the selection of resistant strains brings to the fore both the rational use of antibacterial drugs and the search for alternative methods of therapy. This review of publications on the problem of bacterial biofilm formation in urological practice demonstrates updated information on the role of enzymes, probiotics, and bacteriophages in preventing biofilm formation on various medical biomaterials, such as urethral catheters.
Insights
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common, with bacterial biofilms posing treatment challenges due to increasing antibiotic resistance. This review explores enzymes, probiotics, and bacteriophages as alternative therapies to combat UTIs and biofilm formation.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a leading cause of infectious morbidity, second only to respiratory infections.
- Bacterial biofilms, prevalent in UTIs and nosocomial infections, are linked to antibiotic resistance and prolonged catheterization.
- Increasingly aggressive bacterial strains and antibiotic resistance complicate UTI treatment, escalating healthcare costs and resource utilization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current literature on bacterial biofilm formation in urological practice.
- To highlight the challenges posed by antibiotic-resistant strains and biofilm development in UTIs.
- To explore alternative therapeutic strategies for preventing biofilm formation.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of publications on bacterial biofilm formation in urology.
- Analysis of the role of enzymes, probiotics, and bacteriophages in preventing biofilm formation.
- Focus on medical biomaterials, particularly urethral catheters.
Main Results:
- Bacterial biofilms are a significant problem in treating UTIs, especially with indwelling catheters.
- Antibiotic resistance is increasing, necessitating alternative treatment approaches.
- Enzymes, probiotics, and bacteriophages show potential in preventing biofilm formation on medical devices.
Conclusions:
- Alternative therapies like enzymes, probiotics, and bacteriophages are crucial for managing UTIs and preventing biofilm formation.
- Rational antibiotic use and exploration of novel treatments are essential given rising resistance.
- Further research into these alternatives can improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare burdens.
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