Inhibition of bacterial adherence by nitroxoline on cellular adhesion and on urinary catheter surfaces

Nitroxolin or 5-nitro-8-hydroxyquinoline, used in the treatment of acute or recurrent uncomplicated urinary tract infection (UTI), has been investigated to demonstrate inhibitory effect on bacterial adherence to epithelial cells or solid surfaces. Nitroxolin in vitro and in urine inhibits bacterial adherence of E. coli 38 (MS/MS) on HeLa cells and epithelial cells from human bladder mucosa. In the same conditions, norfloxacin has no effect. Nitroxolin (MIC/8) decreases with a statistically significant difference (p less than 0.001) the bacterial attachment to a urinary catheter surface made in siliconated latex. These results justify the performance of a clinical trial in the prophylaxis of recurrent UTI and the outcome of a bacteriuria associated with indwelling or intermittent bladder catheter.