Abstract

Recurrent cystitis is common among young healthy women with anatomically and physiologically normal urinary tract, and represents the main cause of morbidity and health care burden in this population. The interaction between specific infecting bacteria and urinary tract epithelial characteristics implies the pathogenesis of the disease. Several pathogen-related factors, including periurethral bacterial colonization and Escherichia coli virulence, as well as host behavioral risk factors, including voiding dysfunction, high intercourse frequency, oral contraceptive and spermicide use predispose people to recurrent cystitis. The management of recurrent cystitis is the same as that for sporadic cystitis. Continuous or post-coital prophylaxis with low dose antimicrobials or intermittent self-treatment with antimicrobials has all been demonstrated to be effective in managing recurrent cystitis. Prospective prevention methods for recurrent cystitis include the use of natural compounds, bacterial interferenceand immunization. These approaches appear to be promising for the management of cystitis. Further understanding of the pathogenesis of recurrent cystitis will lead to more effective and safe methods to prevent these common infections.

• Keywords: Recurrence, Cystitis, Risk factors, Prophylaxis