Urinary tract infections and their renal sequelae: urological drivers, recurrence, and strategies for kidney health preservation

Urinary tract infections are among the most common conditions managed in urological practice and represent a substantial burden across paediatric urology, female urology, endo-urology, and hospital care. Although uncomplicated infections often resolve without lasting consequences, recurrent and complicated infections, particularly those arising alongside obstruction, urolithiasis, vesicoureteral reflux, bladder dysfunction, indwelling catheters, or urinary tract reconstruction, may progress to pyelonephritis, renal scarring, urosepsis, and impaired renal function. Important questions remain regarding which urological factors determine progression from infection to upper tract injury, why infections recur after apparently adequate treatment, how antimicrobial resistance is reshaping management, and which patients warrant early intervention.Recent work has improved understanding of host–pathogen interactions, bacterial persistence, biofilm formation on stones and devices, the urinary microbiome, and the role of imaging, urodynamics, and biomarkers in identifying patients at risk. Evidence nonetheless remains heterogeneous, particularly on the timing and choice of surgical or endoscopic intervention, prophylaxis in children and in women with recurrent cystitis, management in neurogenic bladder and transplant recipients, device- and procedure-associated infection, and the balance between effective treatment and antimicrobial stewardship. Long-term renal outcomes after urological infection are also poorly characterised.This Research Topic aims to advance understanding of the pathophysiology, diagnosis, treatment, and recurrence of urinary tract infections as they present in urological practice, and of the renal consequences that follow. It will examine how anatomical, functional, microbial, immunological, and procedural factors influence severity and long-term outcomes, and will consider strategies for preventing recurrence, limiting renal damage, improving stewardship, and preserving kidney health. Contributions bridging urology with nephrology, infectious diseases, radiology, and public health are particularly welcome, provided the primary focus sits within urological care.We welcome submissions addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:• Diagnostic biomarkers, molecular diagnostics, and point-of-care testing• Imaging, urodynamic, and functional assessment for detecting upper tract involvement and scarring• Paediatric urology: reflux, obstructive uropathy, prophylaxis, and surveillance• Female urology and recurrent cystitis: prevention, pelvic floor factors, and non-antibiotic strategies• Neurogenic bladder, urinary diversion, and infection in transplant and immunocompromised patients• Obstructive pyelonephritis, urosepsis, and the timing of drainage or surgical intervention• Prophylaxis, vaccination, phage therapy, and emerging non-antibiotic therapeutics• Long-term renal outcomes after urological infection and strategies for kidney health preservation• Risk prediction, clinical guidelines, and multidisciplinary urology–nephrology models of care Topic editors: Tim Ulinski, Bilal Aoun, Jad A. Degheili Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/84950/urinary-tract-infections-and-their-renal-sequelae-urological-drivers-recurrence-and-strategies-for-kidney-health-preservation