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[Comparative bacteriological and chemical analysis of kidney calculi. Apropos of 135 cases]
Abstract:
The formation of some urinary tract stones (struvite stones) is known to be related to infection by urease-possessing microorganisms, such as Proteus sp. and some other bacteria. Ureaplasma urealyticum, a genital mycoplasma, contains also urease and is predominantly located in the urogenital tract. Its significance in the production of human urinary stones has not yet been elucidated. In this study, 135 human calculi obtained by surgery were analysed chemically and were cultured for the presence of conventional bacteria and U. urealyticum, 51 were ammonium magnesium phosphate stones and contained Proteus (27), E. coli (4), Staphylococcus epidermidis (3), Streptococcus D (2), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (1), Staphylococcus aureus (1), Corynebacterium (1), Candida albicans (1). U. urealyticum was isolated in one patient, from two different calculi (left and right) taken after an interval of fifteen days. Different bacteria were isolated from other calculi (oxalate, uric acid). This findings suggest that Ureaplasma urealyticum should be looked for in struvite calculi.
Insights
Ureaplasma urealyticum, a urease-possessing microbe, may contribute to struvite urinary stone formation. This study suggests Ureaplasma urealyticum should be investigated in patients with struvite calculi.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Struvite urinary stones are linked to urease-producing bacteria like Proteus sp.
- Ureaplasma urealyticum, a urogenital mycoplasma, also possesses urease.
- The role of Ureaplasma urealyticum in human urinary stone formation is unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential role of Ureaplasma urealyticum in the formation of human urinary stones, specifically struvite calculi.
Main Methods:
- Chemical analysis and microbial culture of 135 surgically removed human urinary calculi.
- Identification of conventional bacteria and Ureaplasma urealyticum in stone samples.
- Correlation of microbial findings with stone composition (struvite, oxalate, uric acid).
Main Results:
- 51 of the calculi were identified as struvite (ammonium magnesium phosphate) stones.
- Proteus sp. was the most common bacteria found in struvite stones.
- Ureaplasma urealyticum was isolated from two calculi in one patient, suggesting a potential association.
Conclusions:
- The findings indicate that Ureaplasma urealyticum may play a role in the pathogenesis of struvite urinary stones.
- Further investigation and routine screening for Ureaplasma urealyticum in struvite calculi are recommended.