Urinary Bladder Infection:
E. Coli Uropathogenic Bacteria
E. Coli: The Most Common Cause of UTI
In most cases, about 80 percent, urinary tract infection in adults is
caused by a variety of pathogens - infectious bacteria -
normally present in the intestines, especially in the rectum
(colon).
Nearly all infections of the lower urinary tract and bladder are caused
by a few strains of E. coli bacteria - uropathogenic Escherichia
coli (UPEC).
Various harmless strains of E. coli are normally present in the
body - but they do not belong in the urinary tract.
Theses bacteria have multiple little hairs called cilia that function
like little feet that allow them to climb from the skin around the
vagina, up the urinary tube, into the bladder.
If E. coli get into the bladder or the urethra (tube that
carries urine from the bladder), the body has ways of fighting them off
- including the obvious methods of simply flushing them out with the
urine.
These bacteria, however, have evolved ways of anchoring themselves to
the cells of the urinary tract.
The invading E. coli take advantage of receptors naturally found
on the cells of the mucosal lining of the urinary tract. (Receptors are
like molecular "docking bays" for substances which the cells need for
their normal growth and development).
Like pirates in an old movie, E. coli use
"grappling hooks", called type I pili, to first hook on to these
receptors, and then to invade the cell. (These pathogenic "grappling
hooks" are composed of long, fibrous chains of a molecular "glue"
called adhesin).
Once inside the cell, E. coli can live and reproduce in safety,
shielded from many of the body's defensive immune responses.
In fact, they are so sophisticated that when the body detects that
cells have been infected and activates the cell suicide program to
destroy the bacteria, E. coli can actually flee the dying host
cell before it is flushed out - and look for new cells to invade!
Repeated Bladder Infections
For many women - especially those over the age of 55 years or between
the ages of 25 and 29 - repeated bladder infections can be a painful
and frustrating battle.
Women who have had three or more (3+) infections a year are likely to
continue having them. In other words, they can get another infection
within 18 months of the last one, or even more requently.
Possible multiple factors behind recurrent urinary tract infections
include:
- the ability of E. coli bacteria to attach to cells lining
the urinary tract
- chemical irritation due to commercial toiletries, such as bath
additives and washing powders
- the separate infections, stemming from a strain or type of bacteria
different from the infection before (even when several urinary tract
infections in a row are due to E. coli, slight differences in
the bacteria indicate distinct infections), and
- the inadequacy of the current standard drug (antibiotic) treatments
for urinary bladder infections.
Some women, however, have recurrent symptoms suggestive of urinary
tract infection - but without infection being present. Although this
condition is not serious, it can be troublesome.
Because of the chance of kidney infection (pyelonephritis),
repeated or chronic urinary tract infections should be treated
thoroughly.
Survival Rate of E. Coli Bacteria
E. coli return in as many as 30 percent of women apparently
cured by antibiotics!
They are able to survive antibiotic treatment for bladder infections by
reverting to an inactive state. Within several days of antibiotic
treatment, the number of bacteria reproducing drop to zero.
Not all the E. coli bacteria are killed, though.
After an antibiotic treatment, uropathogenic E. coli may be
still present in a dormant state and linger in the urinary tract:
- about 3 percent after ciprofloxacin hydrochloride
(Cipro) treatment and
- about 7 percent after trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, a
popular two-drug (Bactrim/Septra) treatment.
Even after a month of antibiotic exposure, about 10 million of the
original 1 billion bacteria may remain in the urinary tract.
Antibiotic treatment does NOT successfully kill all the bacteria
participating in the infection and may, in fact, encourage many of the
bacteria to persist in a resting state.
Therefore, current standard drug treatments for bladder infections are
not adequate and this phenomenon may account for many of the
repeat urinary tract infections.
New Antibiotic-Resistant Strain of E. Coli
A newly identified, antibiotic-resistant strain of a common E.
coli bacterium is contributing to an increase in relatively
hard-to-treat bladder infections in women.
The analyzed strain, resistant to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole,
a popular two-drug antibacterial combination (Bactrim/Septra), shows a
pattern of resistance to multiple antibiotics and has genetic
characteristics called "virulence factors" that increase its ability to
infect the urinary tract.
Not much is known about how new strains of bacteria that infect the
urinary tract arise and spread. There is also no evidence that the new
strain of E. coli is causing any increase in kidney infections
or other serious complications.
It could be that this organism has been around forever and has now
acquired resistance to several antibiotics. It could have been
introduced, perhaps through contaminated food.
D-Mannose: The Natural Alternative to Antibiotics
D-mannose, a simple sugar and close cousin of glucose, can cure
more than 90 percent of all bladder infections within 1 to 2 days.
Even more remarkably, D-mannose accomplishes this feat without
killing a single bacterium! (Exactly how does this it will be explained later).
Suffice it to say that, because it gets rid of bladder
infection-causing bacteria without committing
"bactericide," people who use it suffer none of the unwanted side
effects of antibiotics:
- no gastrointestinal (GI) problems,
- no yeast infections, and
- no resistant bacteria.
In fact, D-mannose has no adverse side effects of any kind.
It Tastes Good!
As a bonus, D-mannose actually tastes good. Where a "spoonful of
sugar" helped the medicine go down in Mary Poppin's day, with
D-mannose, a spoonful of sugar IS the medicine.
It Is Effective and Safe!
Because it is so effective and so benign, women (even pregnant women)
who are susceptible to recurrent bladder infections, can safely take
D-mannose as a preventive measure to head off future
attacks.
It Is Suitable for Children
D-mannose is also ideally suited for children with bladder
infections. Because it tastes so good (it is a sugar, after all!),
children actually enjoy taking it.
It Is Just As Effective As Antibiotics
Although D-mannose is virtually unknown to practitioners of
conventional medicine, many research reports have demonstrated its mode
of action and effectiveness against E. coli, the microorganism that
causes most bladder infections.
Moreover, nearly 15 years of clinical experience have shown that it is
just about as effective at curing bladder infections as antibiotic
drugs.
It Has No Known Drawbacks
At first glance, D-mannose may sound too good to be true: a
"medicine" that's highly effective, perfectly safe, pleasant to use,
inexpensive, and available without a doctor's prescription. Yet, it is true!
Unlike virtually any conventional medication, and many natural or
"alternative" treatments as well,
D-mannose has no known drawbacks.
E. Coli Bacterial Infections
Urinary bladder infection is a bacterial infection (caused by the bacteria E.
coli over 90 percent of the time) that affects the inside lining tissue
of the urinary system (or tract).
The urinary tract reacts to a bacterial infection in much the same way
that the upper respiratory system reacts to a cold virus. The tissues
become inflamed, irritated, and swollen. Just as it's hard to breathe
through swollen and inflamed nasal passages, swollen and inflamed
urinary ducts can partially obstruct normal flow, making it painful and
difficult to pass urine.
Built-In Safeguards
Ordinarily, the urinary system is hostile territory for bacteria,
viruses, or any other microorganisms.
Bugs that do make their way into a healthy urinary tract are likely to
find an inhospitable acidic environment (pH <5.5).
Bugs are also subject to attack by the body's immune defenses. (Adult
men have the added protection of a specific bacterial growth inhibitor
squirted directly into the urinary system by their prostate gland.)
Even if microorganisms manage to overcome these considerable obstacles,
they would typically be flushed out with the normal flow of urine. So
effective are these natural antibacterial defenses that in a study in
which bacteria were instilled directly into the bladders of guinea
pigs, simple urination expelled 99.9 percent of the bugs.
Despite all these built-in safeguards; each year millions of people,
overwhelmingly women, still develop bladder infections.
Urethritis
Most bladder infections begin when bacteria originating in the bowels
travel to and grow in the urethra. Infections limited to the urethra
are known as "urethritis."
Cystitis
When bacteria travel upstream to the bladder, the infection is called
"cystitis."
Nephritis
Infections that reach the kidneys are known as "nephritis" or
"pyelonephritis."
The E. coli that cause most bladder infections are among the most
common friendly bacteria in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, where they
aid digestion, produce a few vitamins, and in general, behave
themselves without bothering us.
However, when E. coli and other bugs exit the lower GI tract, they may
gain entry to the urinary tract via the urethra, where they may attach
to the internal lining of the bladder, multiply, and spread.
Other Infectious Bacteria
Although up to 90 percent of bladder infections are caused by E. coli,
the remaining 10 percent are caused by bacteria known as
- Chlamydia
- Mycoplasma
- Neisseria gonorrhea
- and others.
Unlike E. coli, these bugs tend to be transmitted via sexual contact
and rarely cause the more serious bladder and kidney infections.
PLEASE NOTE: Chlamydia, Mycoplasma and N. gonorrhea infections do not
respond to D-mannose treatment and and will probably require
antibiotic treatment.
Non-E. Coli Bladder Infections
In addition, a few bladder infections are caused by other bacteria,
such as Proteus or Staphylococcus ("Staph"). In this case, a powerful
and effective antibacterial agent can be used against these pathogenic
microorganisms, namely Pure Essential Oil of Wild Oregano. As a
matter of fact, Oregano itself is also effective against E. Coli.
Still, all of these non-E. coli infections combined amount to no more
than 10 percent of all bladder infections.
Bladder Infection Treatment With D-Mannose
Conventional Medicine
When faced with a potentially pathogenic germ like E.coli,
conventional, pharmaceutically based medicine typically confronts the
problem by throwing the most potent poisons it can find at the bugs -
antibiotics.
While there's nothing essentially wrong with killing disease-causing
bacteria, this approach does have some very serious drawbacks, as we
have noted earlier. Happily, "bacteria-cide" is not the only possible
avenue of attack.
More Natural Way
Another, more natural way to eliminate E. coli infections from the
urinary tract is to beat them at their own game. If they're going to
cause trouble, bacteria usually have to find a way to adhere (stick) to
the body tissue they're infecting. In bladder infection, E. coli attach
to cells lining the bladder and urinary tract using filmy, hair-like
projections called fimbria on their cell walls.
At the tip of each fimbrium is a glycoprotein (a combination
carbohydrate and protein) called a lectin that is programmed to bind to
the first molecule of the sugar mannose that it encounters.
It turns out that molecules of mannose (produced inside urinary tract
lining cells) naturally dot the surfaces of these cells. Here they act
as "receptors," inviting the fimbria of E. coli to attach, and allowing
them to bind to the tissue in a tight, Velcro-like grip.
If not for this attachment to the cell's mannose, any E. coli that had
successfully ventured up the urethral river would be unable to stick to
the slippery surface and would be washed right back out on the next
tide of urination.
How Does D-Mannose Work?
Now imagine what would happen to E. coli in the urinary tract if those
sweet little mannose molecules they crave were present not just on the
surface of the epithelial cells but surrounding them in the urine as
well.
The E. coli couldn't turn around without bumping into D-mannose
"just floating around" in the urine. Unable to resist the tasty bait
they suddenly find themselves swimming in, they would latch onto the
nearest mannose molecules, and happily sail off into the porcelain
sunset.
Those few E. coli left clinging to mannose molecules on cells then
become easy prey for white blood cells and other agents of the immune
system.
E. Coli Coated With D-Mannose
In addition to its natural occurrence in the cells lining the
epithelial tract, the sugar D-mannose is also found in
relatively large quantities in fruit such as peaches, apples, oranges,
and certain berries, like cranberries and blueberries.
Extracted in the form of D-mannose, a white crystal sugar
similar to glucose, it can be easily dissolved in a liquid and
swallowed. (Mannose can also be synthesized from other simple
sugars.)
When someone with bladder infection consumes a dose of D-mannose, the
sugar is absorbed in the upper GI tract, but at a much slower rate than
most other sugars. (For example, glucose is absorbed more than eight
times faster.)
Moreover, unlike other sugars, D-mannose is not readily
converted to glycogen (and stored) in the liver, but instead passes
directly into the bloodstream largely unchanged.
As the D-mannose-laden blood passes through the kidneys, a
considerable proportion of the sugar is extracted and added to the
urine.
The D-mannose-sweetened urine flows from the kidneys through the
ureters to the bladder and on to the urethra, literally sugar-coating
any free-floating E. coli it might encounter, so they can't stick to
cells any more.
It also unsticks most of the E. coli already "Velcro-ed" to the inner
surface of the bladder and urinary tract, ultimately flushing them all
down the drain.
It Is Scientifically Proven
First, the "molecular mechanism" of the action of D-mannose on
E. coli is scientifically proven. There's no argument at all about this
among researchers who have studied it.
Second, literally tens of thousands of women working with natural
medicine doctors have successfully applied this science to their own
bladder infections.
Therapeutic Value of D-Mannose
Considerable circumstantial evidence, combined with common sense and
over 15 years of clinical experience, makes a compelling case for the
therapeutic value of D-mannose.
Laboratory Studies
In one laboratory study, for example, rats' urinary tracts were
inoculated with E. coli. Within one day, those rats also given
D-mannose were found to have significantly lower levels of
bacteria in their urine.
In another study, administering a mannose-like substance (niethyl
a-D-mannopyranoside) to E. coli-infected mice led to a 90 percent
reduction in bacterial attachment to the urinary tract.
Research in humans shows that ingesting D-mannose significantly
elevates blood mannose levels, a prerequisite if urinary levels are to
rise.
Epidemiological Evidence
Perhaps the best available evidence, though, comes from the experience
of people who have used it. Natural medicine-oriented physicians have
been recommending D-mannose to people with bladder infection
since the mid-1980s with great success.
A 5-Year-Old Girl
For example, in one case, a 5-year-old girl had almost continuous
bladder infections for her entire life that had failed to respond to
every antibiotic therapy her physicians tried (72 doctors in all!).
At the end of their rope, her doctors were now considering a kidney
transplant, since her kidneys were starting to fail due to years of
chronic infection.
Since urine culture showed her bladder infection was due to E. coli,
she was started on D-mannose (1 tsp in a glass of water every
2-3 hours). Within 48 hours, her infection had vanished, and her
kidneys were saved!
"Honeymoon Cystitis"
D-mannose can also be very effective in cases of "honeymoon
cystitis." It's not uncommon for women to avoid sex because they get a
bladder infection nearly "every time" they have intercourse.
If a urine culture shows the presence of E. coli, taking
D-mannose, 1 teaspoon 1 hour prior to intercourse, will mostly
likely completely eliminate further infections.
Recurrent Bladder Infections
Physicians experienced with D-mannose report that women prone to
very frequent recurrent bladder infections that are not necessarily
related to sexual intercourse can also often benefit from taking
D-mannose preventively. To save expense, some women have been
able to "taper down" their dosage and dose frequency.
Single Bladder Infections
By far the most frequent success with D-mannose has been
achieved by the thousands of women who have suffered single
(non-recurrent) episodes of bladder infection.
In over 90 percent of such cases, 1 teaspoon of D-mannose every
2 to 3 hours usually clears the infection in 1 to 3 days.
Try D-Mannose PLUS First
Ninety percent of the time, bladder infection is caused by E. coli and
will respond to D-mannose Plus treatment with significant
symptom reduction within 24 hours.
PLEASE NOTE: Even though symptoms are improved within 24 hours,
D-mannose Plus should be continued for 2 to 3 days after the
last symptom is gone, just to "make sure."
A Word of Caution
If a bladder infection treated with D-mannose Plus does not show
significant improvement within 24 hours (about 10 percent of cases), it
is likely that the causative organism is not E. coli, and consider
using herbal remedies, such as Uribiotic Formula, B.L.D.R. Liquid Remedy and/or
Pure Essential Oil of Wild Oregano, as the infection can spread
into the upper urinary tract, namely, the kidneys, causing serious
problems.
D-Mannose Powder PLUS: Dietary Supplement
Supplement Facts:
Serving Size: 1 Level Teaspoon (4.7 grams)
Servings Per Container: 30
Amount Per Serving:
- d-Mannose: 1,500 mg
- Cranberry (vaccinium macrocarpon): 800 mg
- Vitamin C (as ascorbic acid): 60 mg
Other Ingredients: Natural mixed berry flavor, xylitol, citric
acid and sucralose.
Contains no added starch, salt, wheat, gluten, corn, coloring, dairy
products or preservatives.
Keep container tightly closed in a cool, dry and dark place. Keep out
of reach of children.
Recommended Intake
Directions: Mix 1 level teastoon (4.7 grams) in 4 to 6-ounces of
purified, cold water.
For relief from a urinary tract infection, repeat four to five
(4-5) times per day.
For prevention of a urinary tract infection, drink once a
day.
Description: D-Mannose is a naturally occuring simple
sugar, closely related to glucose. Clinical studies have demonstrated
its ability to prevent E. Coli bacteria from adhering to the
inner walls of the bladder, potentially reducing the incidence and
severity of urinary tract infections. D-Mannose Powder PLUS
combines d-Mannose with Cranberry extract to enhance its
effectiveness.
PLEASE NOTE: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and
Drug Administration (FDA). This product is not intended to diagnose,
treat, cure or prevent any disease.
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Neurological conditions like paraplegia, a spinal cord injury, also
called spinal cord impairment (SCI), usually result in neurogenic
bladder - an unstable or atonic bladder, with no muscle tone.
People with spinal cord injuries have lost, partial or complete,
control over their bladder and sphincter due to the compromised nerve
receptors that are responsible for:
Due to this condition, most paraplegics are exposed to the regular use
of catheters and drugs. (The more traditional cap and bag, with
continual drainage, is falling from favor even though it is a safer
system).
However, catheters often increase the risk of the urinary tract
injuries and repeated bladder infections - a common problem in people
with spinal cord impairment.
Exposed to repeated or long-term courses of antibiotics, in time, they
also develop resistance to drugs what makes maintaining healthy urinary
tract for them even more difficult.
However, contrary to a popular belief and common medical practice,
people with spinal cord injuries or spinal cord impairment:
It is our clinical experience that paraplegics, especially those who
use catheters, can successfully remedy, and most importantly, prevent
bladder infections with the help of supplemental D-Mannose.
Therefore, you, or someone you know or hold dear, who suffers from
paraplegia, should give this natural E. Coli fighter serious
consideration.
In that case, don't just keep going on with the supplement in hopes
that it will eventually "kick in." Discontinue the use of D-Mannose.
If this is a non-E. Coli infection caused by Proteus or "Staph"
consider using herbal remedies, such as:
NEED ADVICE?