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Detection of eubacteria in interstitial cystitis by 16S rDNA amplification
D M Heritz1, J M Lacroix, S D Batra
1Women's College Hospital, Centre for Infection and Biomaterials Research, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
The Journal of Urology
|November 20, 1997
Summary
Non-culturable bacteria are present in the bladders of patients with interstitial cystitis (IC) and controls. Analysis suggests distinct bacterial populations in IC patients, hinting at a potential role in IC etiology.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Urology
- Genetics
Background:
- Interstitial cystitis (IC) is a chronic bladder condition with unknown etiology.
- Investigating non-culturable microorganisms offers a novel approach to understanding IC pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and role of non-culturable microorganisms in interstitial cystitis (IC).
- To compare the bacterial populations in the bladders of IC patients and healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting bacterial 16S rDNA was used on urine and bladder biopsy specimens from 30 IC patients and 16 controls.
- PCR-positive samples underwent cloning and sequencing for taxonomic assignment of bacteria.
- Analysis of 16S rRNA sequences compared bacterial populations between groups.
Main Results:
- 46% of IC urine and 53% of IC bladder biopsies were PCR positive.
- 42% of control urine and 60% of control bladder biopsies were PCR positive.
- Sequencing revealed differences in bacterial populations between IC patients and controls.
Conclusions:
- Non-culturable bacteria are found in the bladders of both interstitial cystitis (IC) patients and controls.
- The distinct bacterial profiles in IC patients suggest a potential link between specific bacteria and the condition.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the specific role of these bacteria in IC development.