Researchers at the Technical University of Munich have developed a method that accelerates the diagnosis of urinary tract infections and tests antibiotic resistance directly in the urine. Compared to conventional laboratory methods, which take two to three days, it delivers results up to 24 hours earlier, without time-consuming pre-cultivation of the bacteria. The procedure forms the basis for a planned rapid test for home use.

Worldwide, about 152 million people contract urinary tract infections every year, one of the most common bacterial diseases. In doctors’ offices, the diagnosis is usually made by rapid tests for elevated nitrite and leukocyte levels in the urine. Broad-spectrum antibiotics are often prescribed without precisely identifying the pathogens. Laboratory tests are only carried out on high-risk patients and delay treatment, leading to longer therapies, complications and rising resistance.

The new method enables the urine sample to be directly tested for antibiotic effectiveness. The urine is applied to a culture medium plate on which antibiotic platelets are placed. The researchers then measure the inhibitions, i.e. zones without bacterial growth. An algorithm corrects the influence of the bacterial concentration and enables reliable resistance profiles without standardization.

In addition, the team is developing a paper-based device for point-of-care use that identifies eight bacterial strains in a color-coded manner and indicates resistance. The aim is a targeted therapy to reduce the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics and reduce resistance.

Tests show an agreement of about 94 percent with the standard method. Deviations from low bacterial concentrations or mixed infections serve to optimise. The procedure aims to provide a user-friendly test for practices and households, with results displayed via smartphone. It is also suitable for resource-poor regions.

Original Paper

Sabersky-Müssigbrodt, H., Russell, S., Wantia, N., Hayden, O. Rapid direct disk diffusion testing for antibiotic resistance in urinary tract infections: a bacterial concentration-adjusted approach. Microbiology Spectrum (2025). https://doi.org/10.1128/spectrum.00888-25.

Editor: X-Press Journalistenbüro GbR

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