Abstract
Background Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most common morbidities
in persons with neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD). Repetitive antibiotic
treatment increases the risk of selecting multi-resistant bacteria. Homeopathic treatment
has been reported to be effective in these patients. The mechanism of action, however,
has not been clarified. Recently, a direct bactericidal effect of homeopathic remedies
was shown. Such an effect is not in accordance with the general principles of homeopathy.
To test this paradigm, we assessed the in vitro effects of homeopathic drugs on Escherichia coli derived from patients with NLUTD.
Methods E. coli bacteria were harvested from 28 consecutive urine cultures. Standard antibiotic resistance
testing and simultaneous resistance testing to homeopathic drugs (Apis mellifica, Cantharis, Causticum hahnemanni, Staphysagria, Nux vomica, Berberis
vulgaris, and Lycopodium clavatum) in high (C30) potency were performed.
Results No significant inhibitory effect of any of the tested homeopathic drugs on any E. coli population could be found, irrespective of their sensitivity to antibiotic treatment.
Conclusion Based on our results, effects of homeopathic treatment of UTI are not based on direct
bactericidal or bacteriostatic effects. These findings are in concordance with the
hypothesis that homeopathy is based on host effects: for example, activation of the
immune system, rather than effects on pathogens.
Keywords
urinary tract infection - microbiology - antibiotics
