Recent advances into the pathogenesis of recurrent urinary tract infections:: the bladder as a reservoir for uropathogenic Escherichia coli

Recurrent cystitis is a common clinical entity that is becoming increasingly challenging to manage. The current thought regarding the pathogenesis of these infections is evolving as new data emerges to suggest that some recurrences may originate from previously unrecognized reservoirs of uropathogenic Escherichia coli. This article will summarize recent conceptual changes with respect to the aetiology of recurrent urinary tract infections, particularly as it relates to chronic bacterial persistence in the bladder. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. and International Society of Chemotherapy. All rights reserved.