{
  "id": 9802194,
  "title": "Hidden E. coli survive in bladder cells, but existing drug helps antibiotics reach them in lab tests",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/25/hidden-e-coli-survive-in-bladder-cells-but-existing-drug-helps",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-09-25T18:00:01.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Medical Xpress",
    "slug": "medical-xpress",
    "url": "https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-09-hidden-coli-survive-bladder-cells.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Hidden E. coli bacteria can survive in bladder cells, leading to recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) even after antibiotic treatment. To combat this issue, researchers at EPFL's Laboratory of Microbiology and Microtechnology have identified a potential solution. Their study, published in PLOS Pathogens, reveals that the drug Uro-Vaxom (OM-89) not only stimulates the immune system but also enhances the ability of bladder epithelial cells to destroy hidden bacteria.\n\nOM-89 works by increasing lysosomal acidification and enzyme activity within bladder cells, ultimately improving their capability to break down and eliminate intracellular bacteria. Additionally, the drug increases the accumulation of antibiotics inside bladder epithelial cells, allowing them to reach and kill the hidden bacteria more effectively. This dual mechanism of action reduces the likelihood of antibiotic resistance and recurrent infections.\n\nThe researchers tested their findings on mouse and human bladder cell models using organoid models and differentiated cell cultures. They exposed the cells to OM-89, infected them with various strains of uropathogenic E. coli, and treated them with antibiotics. The results showed that bacterial survival decreased, antibiotic uptake increased, and changes in cellular pathways involved in destroying intracellular material were observed.\n\nWhile the study confirms the protective effect of OM-89 in lysosomes, blocking lysosomal acidification eliminated this protective effect. Researchers are now investigating whether these findings will improve patient outcomes. However, further studies are needed to determine if these effects will translate into better treatment strategies for patients.",
  "summary": "Urinary tract infections, or UTIs, are among the most common bacterial infections and are caused mostly by the uropathogenic bacterium Escherichia coli. But even after antibiotic treatment, many patients experience another UTI.",
  "key_points": [
    "Hidden E. coli survive in bladder cells, causing recurrent UTIs",
    "Drug Uro-Vaxom (OM-89) enhances antibiotics' reach in bladder cells",
    "OM-89 increases lysosomal acidification, antibiotic uptake, and bacterial elimination"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "GEN Biotechnology",
        "title": "How Bladder Cells Fight Hidden E. coli: New Insights Into Recurrent UTIs",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/25/how-bladder-cells-fight-hidden-e-coli-new-insights-into-recurrent-utis",
        "published": "2026-09-25T18:00:59.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}