Scientists Debunk Misconception That Normal Urine Is Always Sterile

New research by scientists at the Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine (SSOM) discredit the common belief that normal urine is sterile.

"Clinicians previously equated the presence of bacteria in urine to infections. The discovery of bacteria in the urine of healthy females provides an opportunity to advance our understanding of bladder health and disease," said Alan Wolfe, PhD, lead author and professor in the Department of Microbiology & Immunology, SSOM, in a news release. "Physicians and researchers must reassess their assumptions surrounding the cause of lower urinary tract disorders and consider new approaches to prevent and treat these debilitating health issues."

For the study, researchers evaluated urine specimens directly from the bladder through an aspiration or a catheter in order to avoid contamination. Three specimens were then analyzed via an expanded quantitative urine culture (EQUC) technique by identifying bacteria that is detectable via standard urine culture techniques that are typically used to diagnose urinary tract syndromes. Researchers also used 16S rDNA sequencing to classifying bacterial DNA.

"While traditional urine cultures have been the gold standard to identify urine disorders in the past, they do not detect most bacteria and have limited utility as a result," Dr. Wolfe said. "They are not as comprehensive as the testing techniques used in this study."

Findings revealed that certain bacteria discovered in the female bladder could cause symptoms of urinary incontinence. Furthermore, the bacteria was also more common in women with urgency urinary incontinence than in healthy women.

"If we can determine that select bacteria cause various lower urinary tract symptoms, we may be able to better identify those women at risk and more effectively treat them," concluded Linda Brubaker, MD, MS, co-author, dean and chief diversity officer, SSOM.

More information regarding the findings can be seen via the journal European Urology.

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