March Herb Talk: Cystitis

Susan Vassar gave a very interesting talk on Cystitis at the monthly herb talk at New Place on Thursday 3rd March. She explained what bacteria are involved in the process, and the mechanisms of contracting a urinary tract infection. She also illustrated the manner in which 50% of E. coli strains attach to the receptors on the epithelium using mannose as a co-factor. The efficacy of taking D-mannose for in the treatment of UTIs is then explained by the pili of the bacteria being locked into the mannose ingested, therefore it will not attach to the receptors  on the surface of the epithelium in the urethra.

Susan went through the complications of catheterisation, cystoscopy and gynaecological exams which can either leave scar tissue on the fragile membranes which is prone to infection, or can push the bacteria from the surface of the perineum into an area where it becomes a pathogen.