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Published on: June 23, 2015
Interstitial cystitis as an infectious disease
1Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore.
Abstract:
In the author's opinion, infection has not been properly ruled out as a factor in the development of interstitial cystitis. Dismissing infection as a cause would require special techniques to search for microorganisms not only in urine but also in bladder tissue. Infection is not necessarily exclusive of other theories concerning the pathogenesis of interstitial cystitis, such as autoimmunity or increased bladder permeability.
Insights
Infection may play a role in interstitial cystitis (IC) development. Further investigation using specialized techniques on urine and bladder tissue is needed to rule out infectious causes contributing to IC pathogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Microbiology
- Immunology
Background:
- Interstitial cystitis (IC) is a chronic condition characterized by bladder pain and urinary urgency.
- Current theories on IC pathogenesis include autoimmunity and increased bladder permeability.
- The role of infectious agents in IC etiology remains under-explored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To emphasize the need for thorough investigation of infectious etiologies in interstitial cystitis.
- To advocate for advanced diagnostic methods to detect microorganisms in IC patients.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on interstitial cystitis pathogenesis.
- Discussion of diagnostic limitations in identifying subtle infections.
- Proposal for specialized microbiological examination of urine and bladder tissue.
Main Results:
- Infectious causes may be overlooked in current interstitial cystitis diagnoses.
- Standard urine cultures might not detect all relevant microorganisms.
- Advanced techniques are necessary to definitively exclude infection.
Conclusions:
- Infection should be considered a potential contributing factor in interstitial cystitis.
- Further research employing sensitive detection methods is crucial.
- Excluding infection is a prerequisite for validating other pathogenetic theories.
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