biostudies-literatureUnknown27(5)Jacobs KM<h4>Objective</h4>Multiple studies show cultivatable bacteria in urine of most women. The existence of these bacteria challenges interstitial cystitis (IC)/painful bladder syndrome (PBS) diagnosis, which presumes a sterile bladder. The aims of this study were (1) to compare the female bladder microbiomes in women with IC/PBS and unaffected controls and (2) to correlate baseline bladder microbiome composition with symptoms.<h4>Methods</h4>This cross-sectional study enrolled 49 IC/PBS and 40 controls. All provided catheterized urine samples and completed validated questionnaires. A subset of the IC/PBS cohort provided voided and catheterized urine samples. All samples from both cohorts were assessed by the expanded quantitative urine culture (EQUC) protocol; a subset was assessed by 16S rRNAFemale pelvic medicine & reconstructive surgery322-327https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC8088819biostudies-literatureCultivable Bacteria in Urine of Women With Interstitial Cystitis: (Not) What We Expected.PMC8088819Halverson TDavies AWolfe AJJacobs KMThomas-White KPrice TKMyers DLfalseCultivable Bacteria in Urine of Women With Interstitial Cystitis: (Not) What We Expected.<h4>Objective</h4>Multiple studies show cultivatable bacteria in urine of most women. The existence of these bacteria challenges interstitial cystitis (IC)/painful bladder syndrome (PBS) diagnosis, which presumes a sterile bladder. The aims of this study were (1) to compare the female bladder microbiomes in women with IC/PBS and unaffected controls and (2) to correlate baseline bladder microbiome composition with symptoms.<h4>Methods</h4>This cross-sectional study enrolled 49 IC/PBS and 40 controls. All provided catheterized urine samples and completed validated questionnaires. A subset of the IC/PBS cohort provided voided and catheterized urine samples. All samples from both cohorts were assessed by the expanded quantitative urine culture (EQUC) protocol; a subset was assessed by 16S rRNA2021-01-01T00:00:00Z2021 May2025-04-04T07:20:17.355Z2025-04-04T07:20:17.355ZS-EPMC80888193226540210.1097/SPV.0000000000000854