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The pediatric urobiome in genitourinary conditions: a narrative review

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Abstract

The microbial ecosystem within the bladder that can be measured within the urine, or urobiome, is an emerging field of study with little published data regarding children. However, investigations into urobiome research have the potential to significantly impact the understanding of the pathophysiology of genitourinary conditions, as well as potentially identify novel therapeutics. Therefore, both researchers and clinicians should be aware of pediatric urobiome research. The purpose of this review is to highlight the literature around urobiome research in urinary tract infections, nephrolithiasis, and neurogenic bladder; comment on pediatric-specific considerations when reading and interpreting the urobiome literature; and to identify new potential areas of research.

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  1. Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 4401 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, 15224, USA

    Elisabeth Cole, Nader Shaikh & Catherine S. Forster

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Cole, E., Shaikh, N. & Forster, C.S. The pediatric urobiome in genitourinary conditions: a narrative review. Pediatr Nephrol 37, 1443–1452 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00467-021-05274-7

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