UCLA-Led Research Finds Bacteria Inside Most Common Kidney Stones, Challenging Established Understanding
A research team led by UCLA has identified the presence of bacteria within calcium oxalate (CaOx) kidney stones, the most prevalent type. This significant finding challenges the established understanding that these stones develop exclusively through chemical and physical processes.
Dr. Kymora Scotland, an assistant professor of urology at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and co-senior author of the study, stated that this discovery indicates bacteria can reside inside stones and may actively contribute to their formation. This mechanism could lead to new therapeutic targets for prevention and treatment, potentially explaining connections between recurrent urinary tract infections and kidney stone formation.
The Most Common Stones: A New Perspective
Kidney stones affect approximately 1 in 11 people globally, with risk factors including family history, metabolic syndrome, and low fluid intake. While a rare type of kidney stone is known to contain bacteria, CaOx stones, which account for almost 80% of cases, had not been previously associated with bacterial presence.
Microscopic Evidence Emerges
Through electron and fluorescence microscopy, researchers observed live bacteria and bacterial biofilms integrated within the stone crystals. The findings suggest bacteria may also be involved in the formation of other kidney stone types.
Future Research Aims
Ongoing studies by the multi-institutional team aim to further understand the interaction between bacteria and calcium-based kidney stones. The research seeks to determine factors contributing to recurrent stone formation and the specific bacterial species involved in nucleation.