Curr Opin Urol. 2000 Jan; 10(1): 29-33.

Pathogenesis and management of recurrent urinary tract infection in women.

Madersbacher S, Thalhammer F, Marberger M.

Department of Urology, University of Vienna, Austria. uroldep@akh-wien.ac.at

A number of pathogenic factors for the development of recurrent urinary tract infection, such as prolonged vaginal colonization with uropathogenic Escherichia coli, nonsecretion of ABH blood-group antigens, impaired local immune response, oestrogen deficiency in postmenopausal women and altered vaginal milieu caused by the use of contraceptives, are involved. Long-term use of antimicrobial agents is the cornerstone of prevention of recurrent urinary tract infection. Other approaches currently used involve self-start (on demand) therapy, oestrogen replacement in postmenopausal women, behavioural changes and alternative therapies, such as acupuncture.