Vaccine that can stave off urinary tract infections for NINE years – a drug that could be a savior for up to 1.7 million Britons
Patients with persistent bladder infections could soon receive a vaccine that clears the painful condition.
Research has shown that treatment can prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs) in more than half of patients for up to nine years.
Up to 1.7 million Brits, the majority of whom are women, suffer from recurrent urinary tract infections – classified as three or more infections per year. Symptoms include a burning pain when going to the toilet, going more often than usual, and feeling like you still need to urinate when the bladder is empty.
In older patients, the infection can cause a dementia-like condition called delirium. There is also a risk of sepsis, which is responsible for around 50,000 deaths in Britain every year.
Research has shown that the treatment can prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs) for up to nine years (stock image)
The vaccine is given because a pineapple-flavored oral spray can even be an alternative to antibiotics (stock image)
The vaccine, known as MV140 and delivered in the form of a pineapple-flavored oral spray, could even provide an alternative to antibiotics, which have historically been the only way to fight infections.
Although a number of antibiotics are used to treat urinary tract infections, these medications have become less effective over time. This is because bacteria can build up resistance to it.
The study, conducted at the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust, followed 89 participants with recurrent urinary tract infections who were given MV140 nine years ago. It was injected under the tongue every day by a GP for three months.
The vaccine contains four types of inactivated bacteria – meaning they cannot infect the body – including E. Coli, the most common cause of a urinary tract infection.
The findings, presented this weekend at the European Association of Urology Congress in Paris, show that 54 percent of participants have not had a urinary tract infection since taking the vaccine.
On average, patients remained infection-free for four and a half years.
Researchers say those who did develop a urinary tract infection showed only mild symptoms.
Bob Yang, consultant urologist at the Trust, said: ‘Many of those who did develop a urinary tract infection told us that simply drinking plenty of water was enough to treat it.
‘(The vaccine) could be a game-changer for the prevention of urinary tract infections if it is offered widely, reducing the need for antibiotic treatments.’