Study of Vaginal, Urinary, and Fecal Microbiomes in Postmenopausal Women With and Without Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating whether differences in the vaginal, urinary, and fecal microbiomes may make postmenopausal women more likely to have repeated urinary tract infections UTIs. This observational study compares microbiome profiles between women with recurrent UTIs and age-matched women without such infections to better understand the factors involved. Women who have had two or more culture-confirmed UTIs in the last six months or three or more in the past year will be compared to healthy menopausal women without prior UTIs or urinary abnormalities. Samples including vaginal, urine, and fecal matter will be collected during clinic visits after at least one month without antibiotics. For women with UTIs, additional samples are taken during an acute infection episode. Control participants will be examined once. Participants will provide medical history and undergo gynecological exams as part of their clinic visits. Researchers will analyze the collected samples using molecular methods to characterize the microbiomes over one year. Urine tests, including cultures and urinalysis, will also be performed. The study monitors participants without administering any treatment and aims to deepen understanding of microbiome roles in recurrent UTIs.

Characterization of Vaginal, Urinary and Fecal Microbiomes in Women with Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections