Research highlights a significant correlation between the urinary microbiome and the severity of overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms. In a study involving 70 patients with OAB, urinary samples were analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and symptom severity was assessed with the Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS) questionnaire. Patients with mild OAB symptoms (OABSS ≤5) exhibited lower bacterial diversity and richness compared to those with moderate to severe symptoms (OABSS >5). Beta-diversity analyses also showed distinct differences in microbiome composition between these groups. Moreover, the study found a positive correlation between symptom severity and both the richness and diversity of the urinary microbiome, with certain bacterial genera, such as porphyromonas and Prevotella, linked to specific sub-symptoms.

These findings suggest that urinary microbiome dysbiosis may play a crucial role in the progression of OAB. Increased bacterial diversity and richness were associated with more severe symptoms, indicating that microbial imbalances could contribute to the deterioration of functional bladder conditions. The study underscores the potential of targeting the urinary microbiome as a therapeutic approach for managing OAB and other related bladder disorders.

Reference: Li K, Chen C, Zeng J, et al. Interplay between bladder microbiota and overactive bladder symptom severity: a cross-sectional study. BMC Urol. 2022;22(1):39. doi: 10.1186/s12894-022-00990-0.