Meet the Common Culprits in a Bladder Biofilm
Did you know that around 80% of recurring UTIs are caused by the same bacteria that survived antibiotic treatment during the last infection - but how? The answer just might be a biofilm. In this blog, we explore biofilms in more detail, including the common pathogens that make up a biofilm, how they work and how to tackle them.
What is a biofilm?
Bacteria are highly motivated to survive, especially those that cause infections - known as pathogens. A biofilm is a protective goop that acts as a barrier to defend bacteria from attack by antibiotics and your natural immune system. This protection allows bacteria to thrive and infection to persist. UTI-causing pathogens are particularly well-adapted to create biofilms in the urinary tract, allowing infections to strengthen and return even after antibiotic treatment.
Key pathogens in biofilms:
It’s important to note that a biofilm is more than one organism - it’s a community of two or more organisms living symbiotically. Approximately 60-80% of microorganisms responsible for UTIs are capable of forming both single and multi-species biofilms. Some of the key pathogens responsible for bladder biofilms are:
Escherichia coli (E. coli): E. coli is perhaps the most common culprit behind UTIs. It’s a versatile bacterium that can adapt to different environments. In the context of bladder infections, certain strains of E. coli have developed the ability to adhere to the bladder's lining and form biofilms. The matrix they create protects them from being flushed out during urination and shields them from antibiotics.
Klebsiella pneumoniae: This bacterium is part of the normal gut flora but can also cause UTIs, forming biofilms within the bladder and complicating treatment. Klebsiella biofilm-associated infections can be particularly challenging due to their resistance to multiple antibiotics.
Enterococcus faecalis: Enterococcus is known for its ability to survive in harsh conditions, making it a formidable member of the urinary tract's microbial community. It has been implicated in both acute and chronic UTIs, and its capacity to form biofilms adds to its resilience against treatment.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa: This bacterium is notorious for its ability to form biofilms in various environments, including medical devices and tissues. In the bladder, Pseudomonas biofilms can contribute to chronic and recurrent infections. Its inherent resistance mechanisms make it difficult to eliminate using conventional antibiotics.
Proteus mirabilis: Proteus is known for its swarming behavior involving coordinated movement and colonization on surfaces. In the bladder, Proteus can contribute to the formation of biofilms, leading to the persistence of infections. The biofilm structure also provides a favorable environment for the crystallization of urinary stones, further complicating the scenario.
What else can cause a biofilm?
Some biofilms are also caused by a type of fungus called C. albicans, which is more commonly known as Candida. This type of yeast occurs naturally in the body, located in the mouth, skin, intestines and vagina. An imbalance of candida is usually responsible for vaginal yeast infections but can also cause a UTI if it enters the urinary tract.
How does a biofilm form in the body?
Biofilms form in different stages. The longer a biofilm is left untreated, the stronger and more difficult to eradicate it becomes.
Infection - bacteria enter the urinary tract through the urethra and attach to cells within the urinary tract.
Colonization - bacteria then produce a type of slime called an extracellular polymeric substance, known as EPS. EPS allows the biofilm to grow and build a complex three-dimensional colony.
Maturation & Dispersion - as the biofilm colony matures and becomes stronger, it spreads to nearby sites.
What challenges are posed by biofilms?
The formation of biofilms within the bladder presents a multitude of challenges when it comes to treating UTIs:
Antibiotic Resistance
Biofilms are notorious for their increased resistance to antibiotics. The EPS matrix acts as a barrier, preventing antibiotics from effectively reaching the bacteria within. This resistance can lead to recurring infections and necessitate prolonged antibiotic courses.
Recurrent UTIs
Biofilms can serve as reservoirs for bacteria even after treatment, leading to recurrent urinary tract infections. Bacteria released from the biofilm can cause reinfection or spread to other parts of the urinary tract and into the bladder wall lining.
Limited Immune Response
The protective matrix not only shields bacteria from antibiotics but also hinders the immune system's ability to combat the infection effectively. This allows the infection to persist and worsen.
MyUTI is here to help.
Unlike a standard urine culture for UTI testing, which often just looks for e.coli - the MyUTI Complete Home Test Kit looks for the top 12 most common pathogens that cause UTIs in a single sample, including the top biofilm producers noted above. This is important because research has shown that up to 30% of recurrent UTIs are the result of multiple pathogens occurring at the same time. We also test for the 3 common signs of antibiotic resistance genes, this is important because presense of these genes can made an infection even more difficult to eradicate and treat.
The identification of a potential biofilm, along with a drug resistance within your sample, are key to helping eliminate a biofilm presence. With the MyUTI test results, your doctor can make informed decisions about your care and help you seek lasting relief from recurrent UTIs.
Think you might be dealing with a biofilm?
If you’re experiencing recurrent UTIs and think a biofilm might be responsible - check out our education center for more information or order the MyUTI home testing kit for detailed results and lasting relief.
