Oxalobacter formigenesreduce the risk of kidney stones in patients exposed to oral antibiotics: a case-control study

This is the first prospective study to investigate the association between kidney stones, bone mineral density, serum testosterone, colon cancer andO. formigenescolonization. 40 kidney stone patients and 85 controls were enrolled.O. formigenescolonization was established. BMD was examined from T- and Z-scores using dual energy absorptiometry.O. formigeneswas found in 28 of 40 cases and 80 of 85 controls. BMD was significantly reduced in patients (p < 0.05). The evaluation revealed a significant association between loweredO. formigenescolonization and low testosterone. Urinary calcium and oxalates levels were greater in patient. Serum testosterone and urinary citrate concentrations was reduced in patients with a significant difference. Also an association betweenO. formigenesand colon cancer was noted. Absence ofO. formigenesmight stand for a pathogenic factor in calcium oxalate stone, low bone mineral density, low testosterone levels and also colon cancer, when antibiotics are prescribed generously.

Automated summary

The study found that kidney stone patients had lower colonization of O. formigenes, reduced bone mineral density, low testosterone levels, higher urinary calcium and oxalate levels, and decreased serum testosterone and urinary citrate concentrations. Additionally, there was an association between O. formigenes and colon cancer.