Valuable insights into the painful and disruptive symptoms of urinary tract infections (UTIs) could pave the way for improved treatments, according to a new study from SAHMRI and Flinders University.

Recently published in Brain, Behaviour, & Immunity – Health, the study, led by Flinders University’s Dr Luke Grundy and SAHMRI’s Dr Steven Taylor, with involvement from SAHMRI researchers, Professor David Lynn, Professor Geraint Rogers and Dr Feargal Ryan, found that focusing on the hypersensitivity of nerves in the bladder, brought on by a UTI, could be key to treating the problem more effectively.

"We found that UTIs, caused by bacteria such as E. coli, significantly alter the function and sensitivity of the nerves that typically detect bladder fullness,” Dr Taylor said.

“Even when the bladder is only partially filled, the nerves send signals that trigger painful bladder sensations and a false need to urinate.”

UTIs are among the most common bacterial infections worldwide, with over 400 million cases annually. Nearly one in three women will experience a UTI by the age of 24, and elderly individuals or those with bladder conditions resulting from spinal cord injuries are particularly prone to frequent infections. The hallmarks of UTIs include the frequent urge to urinate, pelvic pain, and a burning sensation during urination.

The study is the first of its kind to explore the impact of UTIs on sensory signals between the bladder and the brain. Researchers suggest the reason the infection triggers a heightened sensory response in the bladder is likely to be a protective mechanism, alerting the body to the infection and encouraging more frequent urination to expel bacteria. But in the attempt to heal itself, the body can exacerbate the issue.

By pinpointing the specific role of bladder hypersensitivity, researchers can gain a clearer picture of the underlying causes of UTI-related symptoms and how best to intervene.

"Our ultimate goal is to find ways to address the hypersensitive nerves in the bladder," Dr Taylor said.

"By doing so, we could reduce or eliminate the debilitating symptoms of a UTI, improving the quality of life for patients while antibiotics work to clear the infection."

Researchers will continue to explore how these initial findings can be translated into interventions to improve UTI management.