1.Ralstonia pickettii (32.25%): This environmental bacterium, commonly found in water sources, can cause opportunistic infections in immunocompromised patients. The presence of such a high concentration in urine is unusual and could indicate both contamination and possible infection, especially in the presence of clinical symptoms.
2.Herbaspirillum huttiense (30.66%): This environmental bacterium is typically found in soil and water and is rarely associated with urinary tract infections. However, it could cause opportunistic infections in people with weakened immune systems.
3.Corynebacterium kroppenstedtii (11.14%): This bacterial species is part of the normal skin flora but has also been associated with infections, particularly breast infections. Its detection in the urinary tract could indicate skin contamination or a potential infection.
4.Cutibacterium acnes (5.78%): This bacterial species is normally found on the skin and is rarely associated with urinary tract infections. Its detection in urine could indicate skin contamination during sample collection.
5.Escherichia coli (5.57%): E. coli is the most common trigger of urinary tract infections. Although the proportion is relatively low in this case, its detection could indicate the onset of an infection, especially in the case of symptoms such as burning or pain when urinating.
6.Staphylococcus epidermidis (5.57%): This bacterial species is a component of the normal skin flora, but can occur as an opportunistic pathogen in the urinary tract, especially in people with catheters or a weakened immune system.
7.Streptococcus mitis (1.45%): This streptococcus normally belongs to the oral microflora and is rarely associated with urinary tract infections. Its detection in urine could indicate contamination.
8.Clostridium disporicum (0.43%): This bacterium is rarely associated with urinary tract infections and is normally found in the gut. Its detection in urine could indicate contamination by intestinal bacteria.
Overall assessment: The high prevalence of environmental bacteria such as Ralstonia pickettii and Herbaspirillum huttiense together with opportunistic pathogens such as Corynebacterium kroppenstedtii and Staphylococcus epidermidis could indicate contamination of the sample. However, these bacteria could also cause infections in immunocompromised individuals. The detection of Escherichia coli may indicate an incipient or mild urinary tract infection, even if the proportion is relatively low.
However, the final assessment of a dysbiosis or infection depends largely on the clinical symptoms (e.g. burning sensation when urinating, pain or fever) and other laboratory parameters (such as leucocytes in the urine). A comprehensive clinical examination is required to clarify whether treatment is necessary.
1. Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 and Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14: These two strains have been extensively studied and are often recommended to promote urogenital health. They show an ability to inhibit the growth of opportunistic pathogens such as Escherichia coli and support a healthy microbial balance in the urinary and genital tract. Studies show that they can reduce the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) by strengthening the epithelial barrier function and modulating the immune system.
2. Lactobacillus crispatus: This strain is a central component of healthy vaginal and urogenital microflora and is associated with a reduced prevalence of urogenital infections. By lowering the pH and inhibiting the growth of potentially pathogenic bacteria, Lactobacillus crispatus contributes significantly to microbial homeostasis.
3. Lactobacillus plantarum is known for its antimicrobial properties and its ability to suppress the growth of uropathogenic bacteria such as Staphylococcus epidermidis and Escherichia coli. In addition, this strain shows anti-inflammatory effects that can be beneficial in cases of microbial imbalances.
4. Bifidobacterium bifidum plays an important role in the regulation of the gut-urinary axis, as many microorganisms in the urinary tract may have originated in the gut. This probiotic strain supports the immune system and helps to stabilise the microflora.
A combination of the strains Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1, Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14, Lactobacillus crispatus and Bifidobacterium bifidum could be particularly beneficial for regulating the urogenital microflora. However, the selection of the appropriate probiotic should be based on individual clinical symptoms and in consultation with a physician.
Note: We would like to point out that the results of molecular genetic tests should always be considered and interpreted in a clinical context.
ZymoResearch Urine Conditioning Buffer D3061-1, DNA/RNA Shield R1100
Localization: Urine
Description: Urinary bacterial profile
The urine sample was collected according to the instructions. The samples were stabilised with urine conditioning buffer (ZymoResearch) for transport to the laboratory. DNA isolation was performed with ZymoBIOMICS DNA Miniprep, Cat: D4300. DNA barcoding and library preparation were performed using the Intus Biosciences StrainID Kit (Intus Biosciences) and the LSK-114 Kit (Oxford Nanopore). The 2.5 kb base pair PCR products were sequenced with a MinION MK1C on a flow cell 10.4.1 (Oxford Nanopore) and analysed with the Titan Bioinformatics Pipeline (Intus Biosciences).
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Dr.med. Martin Gencik Dr. phil. Alfred Schöller Vivien Horvath MSc.
Specialist in Medical Genetics Biologist Nutrition scientist