Urinary glycosaminoglycans in recurrent urinary tract infections in kidney transplant patients

Glycosaminoglycans have generalized antibacterial anti-adherent activity, and cooperate with secretory immunoglobulin-A in anti-infection defense mechanisms of the urinary tract. Cyclosporin A modulates T-lymphocytes and fibroblast functions. In this report we analyze urinary glycosaminoglycans and secretory immunoglobulin-A in renal transplant patients with recurrent urinary tract infections treated with cyclosporin. The results show a significant decrease of total glycosaminoglycans and secretory immunoglobulin-A in recurrent urinary tract infections which is unrelated to cyclosporin treatment. The data support the hypothesis that recurrent urinary tract infections may be the consequence of a genetic pathology rather than cyclosporin-induced alterations.