Abstract

URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS IN THE ERA OF ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE: A HOMOEOPATHIC PERSPECTIVE

Dr. Deeksha Sharma*, Dr. Aastha Saxena, Dr. Divya Singh, Dr. Suraj Bhan Singh Rathore, Dr. Sachin Kumar Yadav

Abstract

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common bacterial infections worldwide, with Escherichia coli being the predominant causative organism. The increasing prevalence of antibiotic-resistant uropathogens has become a major challenge in clinical practice, partly due to the overuse, misuse, and inappropriate prescribing of antibiotics. Repeated exposure to antimicrobial agents exerts selective pressure on bacterial populations, eliminating susceptible organisms while allowing resistant strains to survive and multiply. The mechanisms underlying antibiotic resistance include enzymatic inactivation of antibiotics, alteration of drug targets, reduced membrane permeability, activation of efflux pumps, and the acquisition of resistance genes through horizontal gene transfer. Additionally, biofilm formation may contribute to bacterial persistence and recurrent infections. These mechanisms can reduce treatment effectiveness and complicate the management of urinary tract infections. Remedy selection in homoeopathic practice traditionally considers the characteristic features of burning micturition, frequency, urgency, associated pain, modalities, and the overall symptom presentation of the individual. In the context of increasing antibiotic resistance, this article explores the principles of homoeopathic therapeutics and their theoretical application to urinary complaints.

Keywords: Antibiotic resistance, urinary tract infection, homoeopathy, MDR, recurrent UTI.