A Spectroscopic Methodology to Early Detection of Urinary Tract Infections

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Analytical Chemistry
• Clinical Diagnostics

Background:

• Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) pose a significant public health risk, with urinary tract infections (UTIs) accounting for 30-40% of cases.
• Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) represent approximately 80% of UTIs, particularly in hospitalized patients requiring urinary catheterization.
• The asymptomatic nature of many CAUTIs complicates early diagnosis and treatment, highlighting the need for improved monitoring methods.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a straightforward, standardized method for the early detection of UTIs.
• To explore the potential of absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy for non-invasive urine analysis.
• To create a quantitative approach for distinguishing between healthy and infected urine samples.

Main Methods:

• Utilized ratiometric fluorescence spectroscopy and transmittance measurements at 600 nm.
• Analyzed untreated urine samples to streamline the diagnostic protocol.
• Developed a combined spectroscopic approach for quantitative urine analysis.

Main Results:

• Successfully developed a methodology to differentiate between healthy and infected urine.
• Demonstrated the effectiveness of combining fluorescence spectroscopy and transmittance for UTI detection.
• Provided a quantitative analysis of urine samples, enabling early UTI identification.

Conclusions:

• The proposed spectroscopic methodology offers a powerful tool for urine monitoring and early UTI detection.
• This approach addresses the need for standardized, non-invasive methods in UTI diagnostics.
• The combined use of fluorescence and transmittance provides a quantitative and accessible means for early UTI diagnosis.