Candidate vaccine against urinary tract infections

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are an important medical problem for women. The most common uropathogen is Escherichia coli. The adherence of E. coli to the uroepithelium is mediated by the FimH adhesin, a minor component of type-1 fimbriae. This is the initial step in the pathogenesis of UTIs. Recently, a candidate vaccine has been developed, based on this FimH adhesin. In animal studies and in a phase 1 study, this vaccine has proven to be both immunogenic and safe. In this era of increasing resistance to antibiotics, such a method of prevention is of high importance.