Traditionally the urinary tract was considered sterile but recent research has revealed the presence of a diverse microbial community in this region. This test uses advanced sequencing technologies to examine the genetic material of the microorganisms living in the urinary tract. The results of the Urinary Tract Microbiome Check can aid in understanding the microbiome's role in urinary tract health, links to complicated UTIs, and guide personalised approaches to improving urinary health and managing related conditions.
What we test
Sexually Transmitted Infections
Some STIs can increase the risk of developing a complicated UTI. For example, individuals with gonorrhoea or chlamydia may be more susceptible to developing a UTI due to the inflammation and irritation caused by the infection.
Chlamydia trachomatis is the most common bacterial sexually transmitted infection in Australia. Diagnosing and treating chlamydia is very important to prevent long-term complications and spread of the infection to others.
Neisseria gonorrhoeae is the bacteria which causes the sexually transmitted disease gonorrhoea. Gonorrhoea is usually easily treated but can cause severe reproductive and health problems if left untreated.
Mycoplasma genitalium is a type of bacteria that can infect the human genital and urinary tract. It is considered an STI and can cause conditions such as urethritis, cervicitis, and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
Mycoplasma hominis is a bacteria that naturally colonises the human genital and urinary tracts. However in individuals with weakened immune systems or those who are more susceptible to infections, Mycoplasma hominis can cause infections.
Similar to Ureaplasma parvum, Ureaplasma urealyticum is also a common inhabitant of the human urogenital tract and can be transmitted through sexual contact, making it a sexually transmitted infection (STI).
Ureaplasma parvum is a common inhabitant of the human urogenital tract, meaning it can naturally reside in the urinary tracts of both men and women. Ureaplasma parvum is classified as an STI and can be transmitted through sexual contact.
Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection that may cause a yellowy green, ‘frothy’ discharge that is often accompanied by an unpleasant odour and vaginal or vulval itching.
Fungi
Fungal UTIs are more commonly seen in individuals with weakened immune systems or other underlying medical conditions. Symptoms of fungal UTIs can be similar to those of bacterial UTIs and may include painful urination, urinary urgency, and frequency, as well as abdominal or flank pain.
Candida albicans in the urinary tract can cause symptoms such as frequent urination, urgency, pain or burning during urination, and cloudy urine. In more severe cases, it can lead to kidney infections or bloodstream infections, particularly in individuals with compromised immune systems.
While Candida species are commonly found as part of the normal microbial flora in the genitourinary tract, they can cause infections under certain circumstances.
Bacteriology
Complicated UTIs refer to urinary tract infections that occur in individuals with underlying conditions that increase their risk of developing the infection or make it more difficult to treat. Escherichia coli (E. coli) is the most common cause of complicated UTIs.
Enterobacter complex are opportunistic pathogens that may be responsible for a wide variety of infections, and are present in the environment (in soil and sewage) and in the gut flora of humans.
Enterococci have become an increasingly common cause of urinary tract infection, though its ability to cause infection is not considered high.
E. coli in the urine can be significant and may indicate a UTI. E. coli is a bacteria commonly found in the intestines and is one of the most common causes of UTIs.
Serratia marcescens is a naturally occurring bacterium that can be found in the environment. However, in some individuals, it can overgrow in the intestines, causing symptoms.
Test instructions
You’ll receive your urine test kit in the mail, along with logistics for your sample collection.
Mail your sample back to the lab using the prepaid envelope and packaging.
Results for this test available in 7 days and will be published in your online dashboard.
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