Role of D-Mannose in the Prevention of Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections: Evidence from a Systematic Review of the Literature

The inexorable rise of antimicrobial resistance reinforces the need for alternative approaches to both treat and prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs). A potential approach is administration of D-mannose, an inert monosaccharide that is metabolised and excreted in urine and acts by inhibiting bacterial adhesion to the urothelium. We performed a systematic review to assess the effect of D-mannose in the prevention of recurrent UTIs. Of the eight studies reporting on D-mannose in this context, six were clinical and included 695 individuals. Three studies reported that time to UTI recurrence was longer with D-mannose. D-Mannose improved quality of life and significantly reduced recurrent UTIs in both catheter and non-catheter users. D-Mannose was effective in reducing the incidence of recurrent UTIs and prolonging UTI-free periods, which consequently increased quality of life. Patient summary: D-Mannose is a sugar that seems to reduce the incidence of recurrent urinary tract infections and associated bothersome symptoms. It also leads to a longer duration between episodes of recurrences and consequently improves patient quality of life. D-Mannose can be used as a supplementary or alternate treatment for recurrent urinary tract infections. (c) 2020 European Association of Urology. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

The rise of antimicrobial resistance has highlighted the need for alternative approaches to prevent and treat UTIs. D-Mannose, an inert monosaccharide, has shown to be effective in reducing recurrent UTIs and improving patient quality of life by prolonging UTI-free periods. D-Mannose can be used as a supplementary or alternative treatment for recurrent UTIs.