Urinary Microbiome and Genitourinary System Disorders

A special issue of Life (ISSN 2075-1729). This special issue belongs to the section "Microbiology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 October 2023) | Viewed by 18277

Special Issue Editors

Uniklinik RWTH Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany
Interests: functional urology; microbiome; neuromodulation
Maastricht Universitair Medisch Centrum+, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands
Interests: neurogenic urinary bladder; reconstructive surgery; incontinence; urodynamics; near-infrared spectroscopy; urology
Maastricht Universitair Medisch Centrum+, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands
Interests: neuro-urology; endourology; urologic surgical procedures; urology; neuromodulation; urinary incontinence; pelvic floor; prostate cancer; urodynamics

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The urine microbiome is a newly introduced concept that has attracted the attention of medical researchers. Until recently, the urine of healthy individuals was assumed to be sterile. However, improvements in bacterial detection methods have debunked this assumption. Recent studies have shown that the bladder contains microbiomes that are not detectable under standard conditions. Analysis by 16S rRNA sequencing and expanded quantitative urine culture provided evidence for the presence of live bacteria in urine which were not detectable by standard culture protocols. The development of metagenomic sequencing revealed a unique urinary microbiota that was not detectable by standard culture protocols.

Since it is a recent introduction, researchers have conducted many fruitful studies on this phenomenon, changing our perspective toward the role of bacteria in the urinary tract and our perception of genitourinary system health.

A deeper understanding of the urinary microbiome can help us to develop more efficient methods for restoring the microbiota to a healthy composition, and for providing symptom relief. Modification of the urinary microbiome without antibiotics use could be a possible venue for future research.

Dr. Mohammad Sajjad Rahnama'i
Prof. Dr. John P. F. A. Heesakkers
Prof. Dr. Philip Van Kerrebroeck
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • microbiome
  • microbiota
  • bacteria
  • 16S-RNA sequencing
  • bladder
  • urinary tract infection
  • urgency
  • incontinence
  • lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTSs)

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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18 pages, 3874 KiB  
Article
Microbiome in Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTSs): Mapping the State of the Art with Bibliometric Analysis
by Hadi Mostafaei, Hanieh Salehi-Pourmehr, Mohammad Sajjad Rahnama’i, Helia Mostafaei, Shahrokh F. Shariat and Sakineh Hajebrahimi
Life 2023, 13(2), 552; https://doi.org/10.3390/life13020552 - 16 Feb 2023
Viewed by 1357
Abstract
Background: The main objective of this study is to provide the first characterization of the current research field of the clinical microbiome in LUTSs. Methods: First-of-its-kind scientometric insight into the historical development and structural state of the discipline is provided by a field [...] Read more.
Background: The main objective of this study is to provide the first characterization of the current research field of the clinical microbiome in LUTSs. Methods: First-of-its-kind scientometric insight into the historical development and structural state of the discipline is provided by a field analysis, mapping, and sub-analysis of articles for future research. On 22 December 2022, the entire Scopus database was searched without language or date restrictions. Search terms included “Chronic prostatitis”, OR “Interstitial cystitis”, OR “Lower urinary tract symptoms”, OR “Lower urinary tract dysfunction”, OR “Overactive bladder”, OR “Incontinence”, OR “Urolithiasis”, OR “Urothelium”, OR “Urine”, OR “Urology”, OR “urinary disorder”, OR “Pathophysiology”, OR “Benign prostatic hyperplasia”, OR “Benign prostatic enlargement”, AND “Microbiota”, OR “Microbiome”, OR “Urobio-ma”, OR “Urobiota; microflora”. The author and institutional data were transformed using the analytical tool Biblioshiny (a Shiny app for Bibliometrix), which took into account variations in author spelling as well as institutional naming and subgroups. Results: The specified search strategy was able to locate 529 documents from 267 sources published from 1981 to 2022. The average number of years from publication was 4.59 years. The authors with the most publications were Wolfe AJ and Brubaker I. The top three most collaborative networks were Loyola University Chicago, Loyola University Medical Center, and the University of California San Diego. The most frequently occurring words among the 50 nodes were: human, humans, nonhuman, female, adult, article, microbiology, microflora, microbiota, and controlled study. Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology and the International Urogynecology Journal, followed by Nature Reviews Urology, were the top three most relevant sources in microbiome research in urology. Conclusions: One of the most crucial requirements for developing research policies and anticipating the scientific requirements of researchers is paying attention to the evolution of various scientific fields. Understanding research gaps and future needs in microbiome research in urology can be effectively understood by paying attention to the models, maps, and visualizations used in this research, which are the results of systematic analysis of scientific products in the most esteemed scientific journals in the world. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urinary Microbiome and Genitourinary System Disorders)
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Review

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16 pages, 1015 KiB  
Review
Crosstalk between the Resident Microbiota and the Immune Cells Regulates Female Genital Tract Health
by Luigi Santacroce, Raffaele Palmirotta, Lucrezia Bottalico, Ioannis Alexandros Charitos, Marica Colella, Skender Topi and Emilio Jirillo
Life 2023, 13(7), 1531; https://doi.org/10.3390/life13071531 - 09 Jul 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1731
Abstract
The female genital tract (FGT) performs several functions related to reproduction, but due to its direct exposure to the external environment, it may suffer microbial infections. Both the upper (uterus and cervix) and lower (vagina) FGT are covered by an epithelium, and contain [...] Read more.
The female genital tract (FGT) performs several functions related to reproduction, but due to its direct exposure to the external environment, it may suffer microbial infections. Both the upper (uterus and cervix) and lower (vagina) FGT are covered by an epithelium, and contain immune cells (macrophages, dendritic cells, T and B lymphocytes) that afford a robust protection to the host. Its upper and the lower part differ in terms of Lactobacillus spp., which are dominant in the vagina. An alteration of the physiological equilibrium between the local microbiota and immune cells leads to a condition of dysbiosis which, in turn, may account for the outcome of FGT infection. Aerobic vaginitis, bacterial vaginosis, and Chlamydia trachomatis are the most frequent infections, and can lead to severe complications in reproduction and pregnancy. The use of natural products, such as probiotics, polyphenols, and lactoferrin in the course of FGT infections is an issue of current investigation. In spite of positive results, more research is needed to define the most appropriate administration, according to the type of patient. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urinary Microbiome and Genitourinary System Disorders)
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21 pages, 4020 KiB  
Review
An Overview of the Microbiota of the Human Urinary Tract in Health and Disease: Current Issues and Perspectives
by Marica Colella, Skender Topi, Raffaele Palmirotta, Donato D’Agostino, Ioannis Alexandros Charitos, Roberto Lovero and Luigi Santacroce
Life 2023, 13(7), 1486; https://doi.org/10.3390/life13071486 - 30 Jun 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 5717
Abstract
This article is intended to deepen our knowledge to date regarding the functions of the resident microbiota/microbiome in the urinary system for human health and disease. First, we sought to report the general characteristics (composition and stability) of the normal urinary system microbiota [...] Read more.
This article is intended to deepen our knowledge to date regarding the functions of the resident microbiota/microbiome in the urinary system for human health and disease. First, we sought to report the general characteristics (composition and stability) of the normal urinary system microbiota in the different anatomical sites in relation to some factors such as the effect of age, gender and diet, analyzing in detail the functions and the composition of the microbiota in the light of current knowledge. Several pieces of evidence suggest the importance of preserving the micro-ecosystem of the urinary system, and in some cases their relationship with diseases is important for maintaining human health is well understood. The female and male reproductive microbiota have mainly been studied over the past decade. In the past, the arrest was thought to have taken place in a sterile environment. Microorganisms of the microbiota form biofilms, three-dimensional structures, that differ in the reproductive organs and interact with both gametes and the embryo as well as with maternal tissues. These biofilms from the reproductive system also interact with others, such as that of the gastrointestinal tract. Reduction in its diversity intestinal microbiota can disrupt estrogen metabolism and affect the reproductive microbiota. It is therefore understood that its quantitative and qualitative identification is important for microbiota, but also the study of the structures formed by the microorganisms. A dysbiosis with local or systemic causes can lead to serious diseases. The role of probiotics in maintaining microbial population harmony (eubiosis) and preventing certain pathologies of the urinary and reproductive system was also investigated. A negative variation in the qualitative and quantitative composition of certain strains of microorganisms (dysbiosis) due to local or systemic causes can even lead to serious diseases. The role of probiotics in maintaining the healthy balance of microorganism populations (eubiosis), and thus in the prevention of certain pathologies of the urinary and reproductive system, has also been studied. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urinary Microbiome and Genitourinary System Disorders)
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17 pages, 918 KiB  
Review
The Urinary Microbiome and Bladder Cancer
by Nassib Abou Heidar, Tariq A. Bhat, Usma Shabir and Ahmed A. Hussein
Life 2023, 13(3), 812; https://doi.org/10.3390/life13030812 - 17 Mar 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2944
Abstract
Bladder cancer is the 10th most common cancer worldwide. Approximately 75% of patients with bladder cancer will present with non-muscle invasive disease. Patients are usually treated with transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT), in addition to adjuvant intravesical therapy (chemotherapy or anti-cancer immunotherapy [...] Read more.
Bladder cancer is the 10th most common cancer worldwide. Approximately 75% of patients with bladder cancer will present with non-muscle invasive disease. Patients are usually treated with transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT), in addition to adjuvant intravesical therapy (chemotherapy or anti-cancer immunotherapy with Bacillus Calmette Guerin- BCG) for those at intermediate-risk and high-risk of recurrence and progression. For many years, urine has been thought to be “sterile”; however, advanced microbiological and molecular techniques, including 16S ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA) sequencing, have negated that previous paradigm and confirmed the presence of a urinary microbiome. The urinary microbiome has been associated with several urological diseases, including interstitial cystitis, urgency urinary incontinence, neurogenic bladder dysfunction, and others. More recently, many reports are emerging about the role of the urinary microbiome in urothelial carcinogenesis, including gender disparity in bladder cancer and responses to treatments. The urinary microbiome may serve as a biomarker that can help with risk stratification as well as prediction of the response to intravesical therapies. However, the microbiome literature has been hampered by the lack of a unified standardized methodology for sample collection, type, preservation, processing, as well as bioinformatics analysis. Herein we describe and critique the literature on the association between urinary microbiome and bladder cancer and highlight some of the future directions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urinary Microbiome and Genitourinary System Disorders)
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30 pages, 2406 KiB  
Review
Biofilm Lifestyle in Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections
by Amr S. Abu Lila, Azza A. H. Rajab, Marwa H. Abdallah, Syed Mohd Danish Rizvi, Afrasim Moin, El-Sayed Khafagy, Shams Tabrez and Wael A. H. Hegazy
Life 2023, 13(1), 148; https://doi.org/10.3390/life13010148 - 04 Jan 2023
Cited by 23 | Viewed by 3890
Abstract
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) represent one of the most common infections that are frequently encountered in health care facilities. One of the main mechanisms used by bacteria that allows them to survive hostile environments is biofilm formation. Biofilms are closed bacterial communities that [...] Read more.
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) represent one of the most common infections that are frequently encountered in health care facilities. One of the main mechanisms used by bacteria that allows them to survive hostile environments is biofilm formation. Biofilms are closed bacterial communities that offer protection and safe hiding, allowing bacteria to evade host defenses and hide from the reach of antibiotics. Inside biofilm communities, bacteria show an increased rate of horizontal gene transfer and exchange of resistance and virulence genes. Additionally, bacterial communication within the biofilm allows them to orchestrate the expression of virulence genes, which further cements the infestation and increases the invasiveness of the infection. These facts stress the necessity of continuously updating our information and understanding of the etiology, pathogenesis, and eradication methods of this growing public health concern. This review seeks to understand the role of biofilm formation in recurrent urinary tact infections by outlining the mechanisms underlying biofilm formation in different uropathogens, in addition to shedding light on some biofilm eradication strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urinary Microbiome and Genitourinary System Disorders)
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Other

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15 pages, 724 KiB  
Systematic Review
Genital Microbiota and Outcome of Assisted Reproductive Treatment—A Systematic Review
by Rajani Dube and Subhranshu Sekhar Kar
Life 2022, 12(11), 1867; https://doi.org/10.3390/life12111867 - 12 Nov 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1910
Abstract
The balance between different bacterial species is essential for optimal vaginal health. Microbiome includes the host genome along with microorganism genomes and incorporates the biotic and abiotic factors, reflecting the habitat as a whole. A significant difference exists in the composition and number [...] Read more.
The balance between different bacterial species is essential for optimal vaginal health. Microbiome includes the host genome along with microorganism genomes and incorporates the biotic and abiotic factors, reflecting the habitat as a whole. A significant difference exists in the composition and number of the human microbiota in healthy individuals. About one-tenth of the total body microbiota exists in the urogenital tract and these can be identified by microscopy and culture-based methods, quantitative PCR, next generation and whole genome sequencing. The trend of delaying the planning of pregnancy to a later age nowadays has resulted in magnifying the use of assisted reproductive treatment (ART). Hence, genital microbiota and its impact on fertility has generated immense interest in recent years. In this systematic review, we searched the available evidence on the microbiota of the genital tract in women undergoing ART and studied the outcomes of IVF in different microbial compositions. Despite the inconsistency of the studies, it is evident that vaginal, cervical and endometrial microbiota might play a role in predicting ART outcomes. However, there is no clear evidence yet on whether the diversity, richness, quantity, or composition of species in the maternal genital tract significantly affects the outcomes in ARTs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urinary Microbiome and Genitourinary System Disorders)
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