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Tag: L. crispatus

Published on Leave a comment on Bacteria Found In Kidney Stones
Kidney stones Credit: Wikipedia

The incidence of kidney stones is on the rise worldwide, with 1 in 11 people expected to develop a stone at some point. There are several subtypes of kidney stones, with calcium oxalate (CaOx) stones occurring in more than 70% of cases. Recent research found live bacteria in calcium oxalate stones, along with biofilms.

Biofilms are communities of bacteria sticking to one another and coated with a protective slime. In these kidney stones, the biofilms were in-between mineral layers. Several bacterial species were most common in the kidney stones:  E. faecalis, P. mirabilis, and E. coli.

Prior to this study, calcium oxalate kidney stones were not considered bacterial. The researchers thought that the bacteria might explain why people tend to have recurrent kidney stones.

Kidney stones begin as tiny crystals that can accumulate and clump together in urine. One easy way to decrease risk of developing kidney stones is do drink plenty of water (want to dilute your urine). Low fluid intake and dehydration is associated with increased kidney stone formation, due to concentrated urine.

An interesting earlier study looked at the microbiome of the kidneys and found that the beneficial bacteria L. crispatus is found in the absence of kidney stones, while the presence of E.coli was associated with the development of kidney stones. The researchers found that the L. crispatus somehow blocked E.coli's ability to form kidney stones.

From Medical Xpress: Previously unknown bacterial component in kidney stone formation discovered

In an unexpected finding, a UCLA-led team has discovered that bacteria are present inside the most common type of kidney stone, revealing a previously unrecognized component involved in their formation. ...continue reading "Bacteria Found In Kidney Stones"

Published on Leave a comment on Bacteria In The Kidney Microbiome Can Prevent Or Promote Kidney Stones
Kidney stones Credit: Wikipedia

Finally, a study was done examining whether the kidneys have a microbiome (community of fungi, viruses, and bacteria). The answer is yes, the kidneys have a microbiome and the composition of the microbes plays a role in kidney health and whether a person develops kidney stones or not. This makes sense - all our other organs have microbiomes.

This multi-part study showed that the urinary tract is not sterile, and that low levels of bacteria are normal. Additionally, they found that the presence of the beneficial bacteria L. crispatus is found in the absence of kidney stones, while E.coli is associated with the development of kidney stones. (Interestingly, L. crispatus is also found in the healthy vagina and can treat bacterial vaginosis.) 

The researchers found that the L. crispatus somehow blocked E.coli's ability to form kidney stones.

Antibiotic use was associated with bacteria that promoted the development of kidney stones because antibiotics kill off Lactobacillus species and promote the growth of kidney stone forming species (e.g., E. coli). Other studies also find that bacteria such as E.coli (as well as Proteus and Klebsiella) are frequently associated with UTIs, kidney stone formation, and kidney infection (pyelonephritis). 

From Medical Xpress: First full characterization of kidney microbiome unlocks potential to prevent kidney stones

Cleveland Clinic researchers have found definitive proof of a kidney microbiome that influences renal health and kidney stone formation, demonstrating that the urinary tract is not sterile and low levels of bacteria are normal. ...continue reading "Bacteria In The Kidney Microbiome Can Prevent Or Promote Kidney Stones"