Urinary Tract Infections: Etiology and Emerging Therapeutic Approaches

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are considered a significant public health issue due to their high incidence and prevalence, most notably among women. The potential for complications, including recurrent infections and antibiotic resistance, negatively impacts patient quality of life and correspondingly results in elevated healthcare costs. Efficacy of antibiotic pharmacotherapy has been shown to be limited in the treatment of UTIs. The use of antibiotics has been further exacerbated by the unprecedented spread of antimicrobial-resistant organisms. This paper reviews the microbiome specific to UTIs and the formation of biofilms in UTI patients, and presents the current status of novel biological and chemical approaches designed to inhibit and eradicate biofilms in UTI patients.