Bacterial recurrent urinary tract infections V1.0
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Genetic and phenotypic properties of bacteria associated with recurrent urinary tract infections and the role of individuals' microbiota on disease outcome.
IRAS ID
254698
Contact name
Manjula Meda
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Surrey
Duration of Study in the UK
6 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Genetic and phenotypic properties of bacteria associated with recurrent urinary tract infections and the role of an individuals’ microbiota in disease outcome
Recurrent urinary tract infection(rUTI)(defined as >/=3infections in 12months or >/=2 in 6 months) is a common infection among healthy women and the elderly. Management of rUTI relies on antibiotic treatment predominantly. Many require long term antibiotics to prevent these infections. This results in UTI with antibiotic resistant bacteria(a global research priority) leading to increasingly difficult to treat infections.
The most common bacteria that causes UTI is E.coli. In Frimley Park Hospital alone(800 bed hospital), there are approximately 50 E.coli blood stream infections(BSI)/ month. Reducing these infections by 50% by 2022 is a current NHS improvement priority. More than 80% are due to a UTI; with many having rUTI. There are gaps in our understanding of the disease process, leading to limited treatment and preventative options available currently for this common yet debilitating disease.
This is a laboratory based study as part of a collaborative part-time PhD (over 6 years); divided into 2 phases. PHASE 1- aims to compare characteristics of bacteria from patients with rUTI(cases) with those with sporadic UTI (sUTI) or non-urinary tract infections with a bacterium also known to cause UTI (NUTI). PHASE 2- aims to compare the microbial populations (microbiota) in the faeces/ vagina of patients with rUTI(cases) with sUTI or Healthy participants (HP)(controls). Samples will either be collected from surplus bacteria/samples saved in the laboratory or prospectively collected from selected patients/ staff within Frimley Health NHS Trust(FHFT). Participants who meet the criteria for the study will be required to provide one self-collected sample of urine/ faeces / vaginal swab. Participant information will be anonymised after sample collection. Basic laboratory tests on bacteria will be performed at FHFT laboratories; while more complex molecular and genetic tests and data analysis will be conducted at the University of Surrey.
A better understanding of the mechanism of these infections would have a clinical impact in improving the quality of life for these patients, reducing antibiotic consumption/ resistance, reducing antibiotic related adverse effects/ complications (e.g. C.difficile infections), reduce hospital admissions and improve morbidity/ mortality associated with these infections.
REC name
London - Surrey Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
19/LO/0551
Date of REC Opinion
21 May 2019
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion