UTIs Return Following Antimicrobial Resistance

The global resistance to antibiotics is complicating the treatment of approximately 150 million urinary tract infections (UTIs) that occur annually. 

According to new research, nearly half of the women presenting with symptoms at a major referral hospital have infections resistant to multiple drugs.

The study, conducted by researchers at Mzuzu University and published in the National Library of Medicine, found that the prevalence of UTIs among women assessed at Zomba Central Hospital in Malawi is 48.5%.

The most frequently isolated bacteria were Escherichia coli (27.2%), Staphylococcus species (26.5%), Enterobacter species (19.2%), Citrobacter freundii (11.9%), Proteus species (6%), Enterococcus species, and Serratia marcescens (4.6%).

Compared to other antibiotics, meropenem and amikacin were effective against most pathogens, with average sensitivity rates of 51% and 56%, respectively.

Nevertheless, high levels of resistance to ampicillin (87%), ceftriaxone (77%), ciprofloxacin (70%), gentamicin (77%), and cefoxitin (64%) were observed in this study.

"The data indicates a public health concern that extends beyond the expected physiological susceptibility during pregnancy," said Pizga Kumwenda, the study's lead investigator and a senior lecturer in microbiology and immunology at Mzuzu University.

From a UTI prevention perspective, several studies have evaluated the beneficial role of the Immunotek S.L. oral spray Uromune™ (MV140) vaccine in preventing recurrent urinary tract infections (rUTIs) caused by various pathogens. 

For example, results from a long-term follow-up study on the safety and effectiveness of the MV140 vaccine for rUTIs were announced at the European Association of Urology Congress on April 6, 2024. The results show that 54% of study participants, both men and women, remained UTI-free for nine years following vaccination.

As of April 28, 2025, Uromune is unavailable in the U.S., Canada, and Spain.

However, this rUTI vaccine is commercially available and through Expanded Access Programs in approximately 20 countries, including England, Mexico, and Australia.

Information regarding Uromune vaccination services in these countries is available at this Vax-Before-Travel link.