E-Posters-Temporal Dynamics of the Lower Urinary Tract Microbiota in Pre-Menopausal Community Women

Temporal Dynamics of the Lower Urinary Tract Microbiota in Pre-Menopausal Community Women - Alan Wolfe, PhD

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This study aimed to determine if there are changes in the urinary microbiota over time and to assess the influence of lifestyle on these changes. The researchers collected urine and peri-urethral swab specimens from eight pre-menopausal women without urinary symptoms or disorders. They also completed a lifestyle questionnaire daily for approximately three months. The specimens were analyzed using next-generation sequencing and bacterial culture. The researchers observed temporal changes in the composition and diversity of the urine microbiota, which were associated with various lifestyle factors, especially menstruation and sexual activity. Changes associated with menstruation varied between individuals, while changes associated with sexual activity, particularly vaginal intercourse, were similar among participants. Following vaginal intercourse, there was typically a decrease in the abundance of Lactobacillus and/or Gardnerella and an increase or appearance of Streptococcus species in the urine specimens. This pattern reversed over time. These trends were not observed in the peri-urethral swabs. The study provides the first description of microbiota dynamics in mid-stream voided urine and peri-urethral specimens in pre-menopausal women. The data suggest that the urinary microbiota are generally stable but can be temporarily altered by certain lifestyle factors. The relationship between these alterations and the risk of urinary tract infection (UTI) is unclear and requires further investigation. The study highlights that urine is not sterile and that there is a urinary microbiome, which can be influenced by lifestyle factors. The findings may have implications for understanding the risk of UTIs in women.

Keywords

urinary microbiota

changes over time

influence of lifestyle

pre-menopausal women

urine specimens

peri-urethral swabs

next-generation sequencing

bacterial culture

menstruation

sexual activity