Use of cranberry proanthocyanidins in the treatment of recurrent urinary tract infection. literature review and own experience

Abstract

Urinary infection is one of the most common community- and hospital-acquired bacterial infections. In the United States about 11% of all women aged over 18 note episodes of urinary tract infection every year. 40-50% of the total population of adult women have had at least one episode of acute urinary tract infection during their lives. The incidence of the disease is highest in the age group 18-24 years: the frequency is from 1 to 5 times per year [1]. In 18-39 years age group the risk for recurrent urinary infection episode up to six months after the end of the initial one is 24% [2]. About 5% of patients note repeated exacerbations during the year following the initial acute episode of urinary tract infection.