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The Potential Role of Persister Cells in Urinary Tract Infections

Butool Durrani1, Ashu Mohammad2, Bernardita M Ljubetic2

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, Aga Khan University Hospital, National Stadium Rd, Karachi, Karachi City, Pakistan.

Current Urology Reports
|November 1, 2023
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Persister cells, dormant bacteria, hinder antibiotic treatment for urinary tract infections (UTIs). New strategies are needed to target these resilient cells for effective UTI management.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Bacterial Pathogenesis

Background:

  • Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are highly prevalent bacterial infections globally.
  • Persister cells are a dormant bacterial subpopulation that survives antibiotic treatment.
  • Understanding persister cells is crucial for combating recurrent and difficult-to-treat UTIs.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of persister cells in the pathogenesis of UTIs.
  • To summarize current research on persister cell formation and survival mechanisms in UTIs.
  • To highlight the challenges posed by persister cells in antibiotic treatment efficacy.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent research on bacterial persister cells in UTIs.
  • Analysis of studies on persister cell identification, characterization, and formation.
  • Synthesis of findings regarding the impact of persister cells on antibiotic effectiveness.

Main Results:

  • Persister cells contribute significantly to UTI treatment failure and recurrence.
  • Recent research elucidates mechanisms of persister cell formation in UTI pathogens.
  • Effective targeting of persister cells remains a significant challenge in current UTI therapy.

Conclusions:

  • Persister cells represent a critical factor in UTI pathogenesis and treatment resistance.
  • Further research into persister cell biology is essential for developing novel therapeutic strategies.
  • Targeting persister cells holds promise for improving outcomes in patients with chronic or recurrent UTIs.
Keywords:
Antibiotic tolerance / resistanceBiofilmCystitisUrinary tract infections / diagnosis

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