Definition – What is a vaccination against cystitis?
A vaccination against cystitis is an immunisation against certain bacteria, which most often cause urinary tract infections. It is directed against intestinal bacteria, more precisely against strains of the bacterium Escherichia coli (E. coli). The vaccination contains structures of this pathogen that stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies against them, which can protect against future infections.
Causes
As a rule, vaccination against cystitis is not necessary. However, frequent recurrences may occur despite antibiotic treatment. If these cannot be controlled, vaccination can be considered.
The most common trigger of urinary tract infections is intestinal bacteria of the E. coli strain. This is because they are located in the immediate vicinity of the urethra. Particularly in women, whose urethra is rather short compared to that of men, cystitis can often occur. If these are treated with antibiotics each time, this can lead to resistance of the bacteria to the antibiotic. In order to prevent future cystitis, a vaccination can be administered.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of a bladder infection is usually made by means of the specific symptoms and a urine test strip. Alternatively, a urine culture can be made. This is a microbiological examination in which bacteria that may be present in the urine are cultivated. A resistance test can then be carried out to determine whether the bacteria grown are resistant to certain antibiotics. If this is the case, immunisation can be carried out to prevent further cystitis.
Symptoms
Typical symptoms of cystitis include pain and burning sensation when urinating, a frequent urge to urinate despite small amounts of urine and pain in the lower abdomen where the bladder is located. Whether a vaccination is a sensible option is decided on the basis of the frequency and other treatment options for cystitis. If it occurs frequently, but is not treated with medication but rather by increasing the amount of water drunk, for example, antibiotic therapy can be considered first.
It is possible that germs that colonise the bladder and thus repeatedly cause cystitis are eliminated. If the recurrent urinary tract infections are already being treated with antibiotics, a resistance test and, if necessary, a change of antibiotic can be attempted. If cystitis still occurs frequently, a vaccination can be carried out. Recurrent cystitis is defined as an inflammation of the bladder that occurs twice or more frequently in a six-month period or three or more times a year.
Therapy
There are several ways to treat a cystitis. To avoid taking antibiotics, the first thing to try is to “flush” the bladder by increasing the amount of water you drink. For example, bladder tea has diuretic effects.
By urinating frequently, bacteria that are in the urinary tract are flushed out. If the cystitis cannot be treated by increased drinking alone, antibiotic treatment can be used. The vaccination against cystitis is not a therapy against it but a prevention.
Through the vaccination the body should develop an immunity against the pathogens that cause the cystitis. As a rule, the vaccination must be carried out more than once to achieve sufficient antibody formation. However, since not all pathogens are covered by the vaccination, cystitis can still occur.
