How to avoid drug resistance during treatment and prevention of urinary tract infections

Urinary tract infections (UTIs), defined as the presence of bacteria above the bladder sphincter, are among the most common infectious diseases. They remain a significant cause of antibiotic prescription worldwide. The incidence is much higher among women, especially of reproductive age, than among men. If the infection occurs at least 3 times a year or twice within 6 months, it is classified as recurrent urinary tract infection (rUTI). Among the causal pathogens, the vast majority are Gram-negative bacteria, the most common of which is Escherichia coli. Recommended treatment regimens differ depending on the diagnosed disease entity and the patient’s clinical situation. Empirical antibiotic therapy is most often used. The first-line treatment in patients with acute simple cystitis include nitrofurantoin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, or fosfomycin. Beta-lactams and fluoroquinolones should be considered as a second-line agent. In particular cases (pregnancy or rUTIs) targeted treatment, based on the results of urine culture and antibiogram, is implemented. During pregnancy recommended treatment includes administration of cephalosporins (e.g. cefuroxime) or nitrofurantoin. In patients with uncomplicated pyelonephritis fluoroquinolones should be considered as the first-line regimen.

In the case of rUTIs, there are no uniform guidelines for prophylactic management. Repeated administration of antibiotics due to infections leads to a growing problem of drug resistance. Most recommendations suggest not to use antibiotic prophylaxis routinely. Growing evidence favours non-antibiotic prophylaxis regimens for recurrent UTIs. Until now only one product – oral immunostimulant OM-89 – has been sufficiently investigated. Wider implementation of immunoprophylaxis in the future may reduce possible side effects of inappropriate antibiotic consumption.