Bacteria in the genitourinary tract: The microbiota and probiotics

Authors

Gregor Reid, Lawson Health Research Institute

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

9-18-2015

Journal

The Role of Bacteria in Urology

First Page

1

Last Page

6

URL with Digital Object Identifier

10.1007/978-3-319-17732-8_1

Abstract

The identification of an array of bacterial species in the urinary tract, detected by DNA sequencing, has the potential to change many aspects of urological practice. If they are associated with health or disease, should all urines be sampled as part of patient management, and what is the consequence of antibiotic therapy? Can an aberrant microbiota be manipulated by probiotics, drugs or diet resulting in less risk or better control of disease? To answer these questions, more microbiome studies are needed along with methods that interpret the data in a clinically relevant manner. Cause and effect remains to be established in most cases, but this area has the potential to invigorate urological research and improve patient care in the not so distant future.