To characterize the urobiome and urine pH in women with and without overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms.
We conducted a case-control study with 23 patients having OAB symptoms and 23 without OAB, based on overactive bladder symptom score questionnaires. Midstream urine samples were analyzed for pH and underwent 16S rDNA gene sequencing to identify the urobiome using diversity. Differential abundance analysis identified urobiome taxa associated with OAB symptoms.
The mean age of patients with OAB and those without OAB was comparable (63.60 ± 9.27 vs 62.26 ± 9.14, p = 0.62). There were no statistically significant differences in body mass index, parity, and menopausal status. Mean urine pH was also comparable (6.23 ± 1.04 vs. 6.17 ± 0.95, p = 0.84), though a higher percentage of OAB patients had acidic urine (73.91% vs. 65.22%, p = 0.53). While the overall urobiome showed no significant differences between groups, Corynebacterium spp. and Rothia spp. were more abundant in OAB patients.
Patients with overactive bladder had a higher abundance of certain urobiome bacteria but similar urine pH compared to those without symptoms.
We compared the urinary microbiome (urobiome) and urine pH in women with overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms to those without OAB symptoms. We found that while urine pH and overall microbial diversity were similar between the two groups, the specific composition of the urobiome differed. Women with OAB had a higher abundance of specific bacteria, including Corynebacterium coyleae-pilbarense, Rothia amarae, and Kocuria rhizophila. These findings suggest that OAB may be driven by specific bacterial species rather than by an overall change in microbial richness or urine acidity, highlighting the need for more sensitive diagnostic approaches in urological care.
International journal of women's health. 2026 Jun 26*** epublish ***
Apichaya Klaikaew, Pisut Pongchaikul, Rujira Wattanayingcharoenchai, Komkrit Aimjirakul, Orawee Chinthakanan, Jittima Manonai
Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand., Chakri Naruebodindra Medical Institute, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Samut Prakan, Thailand.