Vaccination against cystitis

Definition - What is a cystitis vaccination?

A vaccination against cystitis is an immunization against certain bacteria that most commonly cause urinary tract infections.
It is directed against intestinal bacteria, more precisely against strains of the bacterium Escherichia coli (E.coli). The vaccine contains structures from this pathogen that stimulate the immune system to make antibodies against it that can protect against future infections.

causes

As a rule, vaccination against cystitis is not necessary. However, there may be frequent recurrences despite antibiotic treatment. If these cannot be brought under control, vaccination can be considered.
The most common cause of urinary tract infections are intestinal bacteria of the E.coli strain. This is because they are in close proximity to the urethra. Bladder infections can often occur especially in women, whose urethra is rather short compared to that of men. If these are treated with antibiotics every time, this can lead to resistance of the bacteria to the antibiotic. A vaccination may be given to prevent future bladder infections.

Read more about the here Cystitis therapy

diagnosis

The diagnosis of cystitis is usually made using the specific symptoms and a urine test strip.
Alternatively, a urine culture can be created. This is a microbiological examination in which bacteria that may be in the urine are grown. A resistance test can then also take place, which can be used to determine whether the bacteria that have grown are resistant to certain antibiotics. If this is the case, immunization can be carried out to prevent further bladder infections.

You can find more information on the topic here Urinalysis

Symptoms

Typical symptoms of cystitis include pain and burning sensation when urinating, a frequent urge to urinate when the amount of urine is low, and pain in the lower abdomen where the bladder is located.
Whether a vaccination is a sensible option is decided based on the frequency and other therapeutic options for bladder infections. If it occurs frequently, but is mostly not treated with medication but, for example, by increasing the amount of water you drink, antibiotic therapy can first be considered. It may be that this eliminates germs that colonize the bladder and thus repeatedly cause bladder infections.
If the recurrent urinary tract infections are already being treated with antibiotics, a resistance test and, if necessary, a change of antibiotic can be attempted. If there is still frequent bladder infections, a vaccination can be carried out. Recurrent cystitis is when it occurs twice or more in six months or 3 times or more in a year.

therapy

There are several ways to treat cystitis. In order to avoid taking antibiotics, an attempt should first be made to “flush” the bladder by drinking more water. For example, bladder tea has diuretic effects. Frequent urination flushes out bacteria that are in the urinary tract. If the inflammation of the bladder cannot be treated with just the increased amount of water you drink, antibiotic treatment can be used.

The vaccination against cystitis is not a therapy against it, but rather a prevention. The vaccination should give the body immunity to the pathogens that cause the bladder infection. As a rule, the vaccination must be carried out more than once in order to achieve sufficient antibody formation. However, since not all pathogens are covered by the vaccination, bladder infections can still occur.

Also read on this topic: Home remedies for cystitis

Duration and forecast

The vaccination against cystitis contains weakened pathogens that are the most common cause of urinary tract infections. However, this does not cover all pathogens that can potentially lead to bladder infections.

Cystitis can still occur, but immunization can reduce the likelihood. A single vaccination is usually not enough to induce immunity. First of all, there should be a basic immunization, during which the affected person is vaccinated 3 times every 2 weeks. The immunity thus acquired lasts for about 1 year. Then a booster vaccination can be given. However, there is no guarantee that immunity will be achieved, as each immune system reacts individually to a vaccination.

Side effects

As with any vaccination, vaccination against cystitis can cause side effects.
These include allergic reactions and local reactions at the injection site such as redness, swelling and pain. There may also be general well-being symptoms such as headache, nausea or fever.