Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most commonly diagnosed human infections, account for 1% of doctor visits, 5-14% of emergency room visits, 15% of all antibiotic prescriptions in the United States, and cost $1.6 billion annually [1]. UPEC is tire causative agent for up to 90% of human UTIs [1]. Even when appropriate antibiotics are used, approximately 25% of patients will experience recurrent rUTIs. Current strategies for prevention of rUTIs rely upon antibiotic prophylaxis, originallyrecommended based solely upon expert opinion. Up to 90% of all UTIs are caused by uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC). ￡. coli is transmitted between humans and their pets and is more common if one member of the family (animal or human) has a historyof UTI [1], suggesting that antibiotic resistant strains could be spread within the household. Dogs, like humans, are also naturally susceptible to UTIs with 14% suffering at least one episode during their lifetime [2]. UPEC is also the primary causative agent of canine UTIs, as such, approaches proposed for humans could be effective in dogs. Thus, novel approaches that prevent UTI will have major impacts on antibiotic stewardship.
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