DNA-Based Testing for Chronic UTI: Dr. Nick Parkinson

Can DNA sequencing detect organisms contained within a biofilm or intracellular bacterial community?
In part one of our interview with Dr. Nick Parkinson from Digital Microbiology, we answer the following questions:
● Is it always recommended that a vaginal swab test be conducted alongside a urine test, for female patients?
● Can PCR or NGS tests confirm the presence of biofilms, and is it important to know whether a biofilm is present?
● Are there particular organisms that you see most frequently in cases of recurrent or persistent UTI?
● Given organisms are always present in the urinary tract, how do we know if the organisms identified are causing symptoms?
● Is it possible for known pathogens to live in the bladder microbiome and not cause symptoms?
● Is it possible for ‘good bacteria’ to cause symptoms, and have you seen evidence of this in your research?
● Is there any benefit to testing in between UTI episodes, when symptoms are not present?
● Have you done any testing on probiotics themselves, to see whether they contain what is listed on the label?
More information about Digital Microbiology by SBL: liveutifree.co...
How to order a UTI test kit from Digital Microbiology by SBL: www.digital-mi...
Watch our interview about different types of UTI testing available: • Which UTI Test is the ...
About Nick Parkinson, PhD:
Nick helped drive and develop the Digital Microbiology programme from its inception in 2018 as a direct response to his experience of NHS management of recurrent UTIs suffered by one of his family. He joined SBL in 2008 from Oxford University where he was a senior post-doc researching Spinal Muscular Atrophy. Previously he held post-doc positions researching dementia genetics at the Institute of Neurology, London, and deafness genetics at both the MRC Mammalian Genetic Unit, Harwell and the University of Washington, Seattle, USA. Nick gained his PhD in molecular genetics in 1998 at the University College and Royal Free Medical School, London and BSc degree in Genetics & Zoology at Leeds University. He’s lukewarm about football, loves golf and is a committed McLaren F1 fan.
About Live UTI Free
Live UTI Free is a patient advocacy and research organization. We do not endorse specific treatment approaches, clinicians or diagnostics methods. The content of this video does not provide medical advice. It is intended for informational purposes only. The medical and/or nutritional information is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen. liveutifree.com/
Post-production: Melissa Wairimu / kreativlee_

[@annviera5501]

Note: Dr. Parkinson's lab is independent.

[@ruthkriz1302]

Enterococcus faecalis doesn't convert nitrates to nitrites and therefore dip stick screening is useless. Unless a biofilm disrupter (must be a fibrinolytic) is used prior to collection, no test will find pathogens embedded in biofilms.

[@chanounie]

Thank you

[@davehasenford3985]

thank you

[@rrenee5416]

Can I use these tests if I am in the US

[@pomcrzymimi1798]

Yes you can I do Microgen all the time

[@tobiwalker7145]

This British company is the first for the UK. In the US, MicroGen offers similar testing and has for years. (My experience with Microgen over the past four years has been excellent. I have Medicare, which makes it easy.)

[@pomcrzymimi1798]

@@tobiwalker7145 Can you believe my urologist is telling me Microgen is too sensitive?! I am beyond myself! She wont treat any of my uti's I have to spend out of pocket for a functional medicine dr to help me its getting expensive. The urologists do not want to learn whats current its infuriating

[@rrenee5416]

@@tobiwalker7145 Thank you