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[Bacteriological and architectural studies of infected stones]
Abstract:
The stones associated with urinary tract infection were cultured using a method to distinguish between surface contamination and bacteria within the stone. Twenty three of 30 stones (77%) were infected mainly by Proteus mirabilis or Pseudomonas aeruginosa and most were composed of struvite and/or apatite. Most oxalate and uric acid stones were sterile; occasionally the stones with positive culture had a non-urea-splitting bacteria and these were thought to have been infected secondarily. Some infected stones were studied by light microscopy scanning election microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. We found many rods in the interstices of crystals of struvite and apatite extensively from the nucleus to peripheral layers. These findings are important in the prevention and treatment of infection stones.
Insights
Urinary tract infection stones are often infected with bacteria like Proteus mirabilis, particularly struvite and apatite stones. Identifying bacteria within stones is key for preventing and treating these recurrent infections.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Microbiology
- Materials Science
Background:
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can lead to the formation of infected stones.
- Understanding the role of bacteria within stones is crucial for effective treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and location of bacteria within urinary tract infection stones.
- To differentiate between surface contamination and genuine intra-stone infection.
Main Methods:
- Culture of 30 urinary stones to detect bacterial presence.
- Microscopic analysis including light, scanning electron, and transmission electron microscopy.
- Chemical composition analysis of stones (struvite, apatite, oxalate, uric acid).
Main Results:
- 77% of stones (23/30) showed evidence of infection, primarily by Proteus mirabilis or Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
- Infected stones were predominantly composed of struvite and/or apatite.
- Oxalate and uric acid stones were mostly sterile; bacteria found were often non-urea-splitting, suggesting secondary infection.
- Microscopy revealed bacterial rods within the crystal matrix (interstices) of infected stones.
Conclusions:
- Proteus mirabilis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa are common pathogens in infected urinary stones.
- Bacteria are frequently embedded within the crystalline structure of struvite and apatite stones.
- These findings highlight the importance of targeting intra-stone bacteria for preventing recurrent UTIs and stone formation.