Luciano Garofalo ND, MS - Whole-Person, Urobiome-Centric Therapy for Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infection (1 General CE Credit)

2022 Thaena Microbiome Symposium - The Rise of Postbiotics: The Roles they Play in in immunology and women's health.

DESCRIPTION

A healthy urinary tract contains a variety of microbes resulting in a diverse urobiome. Urobiome dysbiosis, defined as an imbalance in the microbial composition in the microenvironments along the urinary tract, is found in women with uncomplicated urinary tract infection (UTI). Historically, antibiotics have been used to address UTI. An alternative approach to uncomplicated UTI is warranted as the current paradigm fails to take urobiome dysbiosis into account and contributes to the communal problem of resistance. A whole-person, multi-modal approach that addresses vaginal and urinary tract dysbiosis may be more effective in reducing recurrent UTI. We will discuss strategies that include reducing pathogenic bacteria while supporting commensal urogenital bacteria, encouraging diuresis, maintaining optimal pH levels, and reducing inflammation. Strategies for future research are also suggested.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN

1. Associate urobiome changes with states of urinary tract health and disease;
2. Identify challenges and opportunities in UTI treatment with regard to antibiotic stewardship;
3. List non-antibiotic, multimodal strategies to treat UTI and prevent recurrence.

INSTRUCTOR

Dr. Garofalo is a naturopathic physician who performed his medical training at the National University of Natural Medicine in Portland, OR. He is a postdoctoral research fellow in the T90 BRIDG program (Building Research across Inter-Disciplinary Gaps) at the University of Washington, funded through the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.

He is also co-founder of Link Community Clinic, an integrative primary care clinic in Tacoma, WA. His research at UW centers on health equity and health services innovation for children and adolescents. He is affiliated at Seattle Children’s Research Institute and Public Health Seattle & King County.

CONTINUING EDUCATION APPROVAL

1 General CE Credit - American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP)