Researchers at Texas A&M University are developing a treatment for urinary tract infections (UTIs) that harnesses beneficial bacteria to combat harmful pathogens. This collaborative effort between the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences and the College of Engineering aims to create a novel approach for individuals who tend to suffer from recurring UTIs.
According to Texas A&M Today, the project focuses on utilizing a benign strain of E. coli bacteria to disrupt the growth of infection-causing bacteria in the urinary tract. To deliver these beneficial microbes effectively, the team is working on specialized slow-release gels that release the helpful bacteria throughout the urinary system.
This new treatment method could be particularly valuable for populations susceptible to frequent UTIs, such as postmenopausal women and individuals with spinal cord injuries. By providing an alternative to conventional antibiotic treatments, this approach may help avoid the negative long-term effects on gut health associated with repeated antibiotic use.
E. coli is perhaps best known as a pathogen that is a leading cause of foodborne illness in people. However, this harmless E. coli strain works by outcompeting harmful bacteria for nutrients, effectively preventing their growth and multiplication. Interestingly, this beneficial strain has shown promise in inhibiting not only other E. coli variants but also different types of bacteria, including antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus.
To overcome the challenge of maintaining the beneficial bacteria in the urinary tract, researchers are developing an engineered living material. This hydrogel-based device, similar in consistency to a soft contact lens, contains living bacteria and is designed to float freely in the bladder, gradually releasing the helpful microbes into the urinary system.
The concept of using beneficial bacteria to combat harmful ones opens up new possibilities for treating and preventing various infections beyond UTIs. This approach represents a shift in medical treatment strategies, moving away from traditional antibiotic use and towards more targeted, microbiome-based interventions.
The origins of this beneficial E. coli strain can be traced back to a study conducted in Sweden during the 1970s. Researchers discovered a schoolgirl who, despite having bacteria in her urine, did not develop UTIs. This finding led to the identification of the harmless E. coli strain that forms the basis of the current research.
As antibiotic resistance continues to pose challenges in treating infections, innovative approaches like this Texas A&M project offer promising alternatives. By leveraging the natural competition between bacterial strains, researchers aim to develop more sustainable and effective treatments for recurrent UTIs and potentially other bacterial infections.
Commenting on this story, one national E. coli lawyer said, “This research holds good promise to potentially eliminate future suffering from food poisoning caused by bacteria-contaminated foods.”
