Urogenital Tract Infection

Editorial for Urogenital Tract Infection (UTI) 2025 Vol. 20 No. 2 – Highlights of This Issue’s Papers and the UTI Editors’ Pick: Koo Han Yoo; Urogenit Tract Infect 2025;20(2):55-57. Published online August 31, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.14777/uti.2025edi02

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Asymptomatic Bacteriuria in Older Adults – Diagnosis, Management, and Future Directions: A Narrative Review: Ki Hong Kim, Hee Jo Yang; Urogenit Tract Infect 2025;20(2):58-66. Published online August 31, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.14777/uti.2550002001

Abstract PDF PubReader: Asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) is defined as the presence of bacteria in the urine in the absence of urinary tract infection (UTI) symptoms. The prevalence of ASB increases with advancing age, particularly among older patients with underlying health conditions. ASB is especially common among residents of long-term care facilities; however, distinguishing ASB from symptomatic UTI in this population remains a significant clinical challenge. The frequent occurrence of ASB often results in unnecessary antibiotic administration, thereby contributing to the development of antibiotic resistance. Current clinical guidelines recommend screening for and treating ASB only in certain circumstances, such as prior to urological procedures or in pregnant women. There is a pressing need for improved diagnostic approaches to differentiate ASB more accurately from UTI, particularly in older adults. Reducing unnecessary urine testing and inappropriate antibiotic use may help prevent over-treatment and minimize associated risks, including Clostridium difficile infection and increased antimicrobial resistance.

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Beta-Lactamase-Mediated Antibiotic Resistance in Urinary Tract Infections: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Strategies: Fanglin Shao, Dengxiong Li, Jie Wang, Zhouting Tuo, Zhipeng Wang, Wuran Wei, Ruicheng Wu, Dechao Feng; Urogenit Tract Infect 2025;20(2):67-81. Published online August 31, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.14777/uti.2550012006

Abstract PDF PubReader: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most prevalent bacterial infections globally, and are primarily caused by Escherichia and Klebsiella. The overprescription and inappropriate use of antibiotics have accelerated the emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria. Beta-lactamases play a critical role in mediating antibiotic resistance in UTIs. These enzymes promote bacterial resistance through multiple mechanisms, including gene mutation, plasmid-mediated horizontal gene transfer, and the involvement of integrons. Comprehensive knowledge of the ways in which beta-lactamases contribute to resistance in UTIs is essential for improving treatment strategies. Advances in detection technologies, such as gene sequencing and mass spectrometry, have greatly enhanced the ability to monitor and predict bacterial resistance. Current therapeutic strategies include the application of beta-lactamase inhibitors, the development of novel antibiotics, and alternative treatments that have shown efficacy against beta-lactamase-mediated antibiotic resistance. This paper reviews the mechanisms of beta-lactamase-mediated resistance in UTIs and provides an in-depth overview of several detection methods and therapeutic approaches.

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The Role of the Urinary Microbiome in the Prevention of Pediatric Urinary Tract Infections: A Narrative Review: Byeongdo Song; Urogenit Tract Infect 2025;20(2):82-95. Published online August 31, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.14777/uti.2550016008

Abstract PDF PubReader: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common condition in children and often lead to hospitalization. A considerable proportion of children with UTIs (up to 30%) experience at least one recurrence, placing them at risk for long-term complications such as renal scarring. Since the concept of the microbiome was first introduced in 2001, increasing attention has been given to the role of the urinary tract microbiome in maintaining urinary tract homeostasis. Dysbiosis of the urinary microbiome has been recognized as a factor associated with an increased risk of various urinary tract diseases, including UTIs. However, the specific role of the urinary microbiome in the pathophysiology of pediatric UTIs remains incompletely understood. The present review examines recent studies on the urinary microbiome in children and summarizes current strategies for modulating the urinary microbiome to prevent UTI recurrence in the pediatric population.

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Molecular Mechanisms of Antibiotic Resistance in Uropathogenic Escherichia coli: A Narrative Review: Nakjun Choi, Dong Uk Kim, Eun-Jin Lee; Urogenit Tract Infect 2025;20(2):96-106. Published online August 31, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.14777/uti.2550018009

Abstract PDF PubReader: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most prevalent bacterial infections worldwide, with uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) serving as the primary causative agent. Although antibiotic therapy remains the standard of care for UTI treatment, the increasing prevalence of antimicrobial resistance has substantially reduced the effectiveness of commonly prescribed antibiotics. Resistance to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX), β-lactams, and fluoroquinolones is particularly concerning, as these agents constitute the principal therapeutic options for UTIs. This review examines the molecular mechanisms underlying UPEC resistance to these three classes of antibiotics, including target site modifications, efflux pump overexpression, porin regulation, and enzymatic degradation. Furthermore, it explores how these resistance determinants contribute to the development of multidrug-resistant (MDR) UPEC strains, which demonstrate cross-resistance to multiple antibiotics and present significant challenges for clinical management. Novel therapeutic strategies, such as efflux pump inhibitors, bacteriophage therapy, and genomic-guided precision medicine, are under investigation as potential solutions to address the growing global burden of MDR UPEC, alongside alternative non-antibiotic treatments. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the genetic and regulatory pathways driving antibiotic resistance in UPEC, offering insights that may guide the development of effective treatment strategies and help mitigate the ongoing spread of antimicrobial resistance.

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Diagnostic Utility of the Sysmex UF-5000 Flow Cytometer in Acute Bacterial Prostatitis: A Retrospective Pilot Study: Young Kyu Han, Jeong Woo Lee, Hae-Il Park, Jin Bong Choi; Urogenit Tract Infect 2025;20(2):107-113. Published online August 31, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.14777/uti.2550022011

Abstract PDF Supplementary Material PubReader: Purpose
To evaluate the diagnostic performance of the Sysmex UF-5000 flow cytometer in detecting acute bacterial prostatitis (ABP) compared to standard urine culture. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study analyzed 45 urine samples from patients with a clinical diagnosis of ABP. Each sample was evaluated using the UF-5000 to measure red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC), and bacterial counts, and the results were compared with those from standard urine culture and Gram staining. Receiver operating characteristic curves were generated, and sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value were determined. Concordance between Gram classification by the UF-5000 and conventional Gram staining was also evaluated.
Results
Of the 45 patients, 84.4% had positive urine cultures. The bacterial count parameter demonstrated the highest diagnostic performance (area under the curve [AUC]=0.79; sensitivity, 89.5%; PPV, 91.9%), outperforming WBC (AUC=0.76) and RBC (AUC=0.55). The Gram classification flag showed an overall concordance of 85.7% with conventional Gram staining, with a concordance rate of 88% for Gram-negative organisms.
Conclusions
The Sysmex UF-5000 exhibited good concordance with urine culture for patients with ABP, particularly through the bacterial count parameter. Although it does not replace culture, the UF-5000 may serve as a rapid adjunctive tool to support early clinical decision-making in suspected ABP cases.

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Cyclic Hematuria Misdiagnosed as Hemorrhagic Cystitis in a Rare Case of Vesicouterine Fistula Post-Cesarean Section: A Case Report of Youssef Syndrome: Youngjoo Kim; Urogenit Tract Infect 2025;20(2):114-117. Published online August 31, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.14777/uti.2550024012

Abstract PDF PubReader: Vesicouterine fistulas are rare complications that may occur following cesarean sections and are frequently misdiagnosed due to their diverse clinical presentations. This report presents a case involving a small vesicouterine fistula initially managed conservatively, which later manifested as cyclic hematuria mimicking hemorrhagic cystitis, ultimately leading to a diagnosis of Youssef syndrome. A 45-year-old woman developed persistent vaginal urinary leakage 3 weeks after a cesarean section. Diagnostic evaluation confirmed a small (<1 cm) vesicouterine fistula. Conservative management with Foley catheterization resulted in spontaneous closure. Four months later, the patient experienced cyclic gross hematuria and dysuria without menstruation, and was subsequently diagnosed with Youssef syndrome. Hormonal therapy using continuous oral contraceptives successfully resolved the hematuria, providing a noninvasive therapeutic option. This case highlights the importance of considering Youssef syndrome in patients with cyclic hematuria after cesarean section, in order to distinguish it from hemorrhagic cystitis and ensure timely, appropriate management.

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Addressing an Unmet Need in Postprostatectomy Care: Perspectives on Urovaxom: Byeong Jin Kang; Urogenit Tract Infect 2025;20(2):118-119. Published online August 31, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.14777/uti.2550030015

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