Health Information: Is there a vaccine to prevent urine infection?
Urine infection (aka urinary tract infection -UTI) is one of the most common infections in women. It often leads to chronic and recurrent infection. Around 11% of females experience an uncomplicated UTI every year, and about 25% of them have a second infection within the next 6 months.
When a person suffers from ≥ 3 urine infections in a year, it is termed recurrent urinary tract infection (rUTI). Recurrent UTIs are quite common in females. Typically, a prolonged course of antibiotics helps prevent recurrence, but it has its drawbacks.
Inmunotek S.L. in Spain has developed a vaccine called MV140, also known as Uromune. It is not an injection; rather, a spray. The candidate needs to spray it under the tongue twice daily for 3 months. So, it is quite convenient for the needle-phobic people!
The study results have been promising, showing a significant reduction in UTI recurrence rates among the study groups. The vaccine is in the final stages of development and is already available in over 26 countries under a special access program.