Terri Anne Camesano and colleagues of Worcester Polytechnic Institute, conducted a study to find out the effectiveness of cranberry juice in preventing UTI (urinary tract infection). The result was declared at the 240th National Meeting of the American Chemical Society (ACS). Camesano said, “A number of controlled clinical trials – these are carefully designed and conducted scientific studies done in humans – have concluded that cranberry juice really is effective for preventing urinary tract infections .” He also said, “That has important implications, considering the size of the problem and health care costs involved.”
Camesano said that the study was focused to determine how cranberry juice fights E.coli, the most common causative agent of UTI. Strains of E.coli, were grown in the laboratory. The strains were taken from urine samples of healthy individuals, both before and after the consumption of cranberry juice. Researchers tested the E.coli for their ability to adhere together and form biofilm, which are the slimy layers to provide an environment for bacteria for survival. The biofilm enables E.coli to grow, multiply, and thus cause the infection.
The observation during the study led the researchers conclude that cranberry juice prevents E.coli from sticking to other bacteria and the plastic Petri dish surface. The study suggested that the beneficial substances present in cranberry juice could alter the adhesive capability of E.coli within 8 hours of its consumption. According to what was said by Camesano in the presentation, one, when experiencing the symptoms of UTI, should not rely on cranberry juice only. He should immediately seek medical intervention. UTIs can progress at a rapid rate. If not treated with antibiotics on time may even lead to severe illness. Children and women are common victims of urinary tract infections.
