1887
Volume 2025, Issue 3
  • ISSN: 0253-8253
  • EISSN: 2227-0426

Abstract

Recurrent uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) in healthy females pose a significant challenge to both patients and healthcare professionals, due to the need for repeated antibiotic treatments and the recurrence of symptoms and suffering. This case report suggests a potentially simple approach to treating recurrent uncomplicated UTI in a healthy, sexually active female, which, if validated, may eliminate the need for frequent antibiotic courses and long-term prophylactic use, potentially leading to a complete cure.

A 35-year-old healthy, sexually active Middle Eastern female was diagnosed with a recurrent uncomplicated UTI. The patient received multiple courses of culture-guided antibiotics, including ertapenem, for over a period of two years. The patient inadvertently recovered from the disease after she and her family received mebendazole treatment, following the diagnosis of a pinworm infestation in her five-year-old child. All patients’ symptoms resolved, with no recurrence of urinary tract infections or need for antibiotics during the two-year follow-up period after mebendazole administration. The patient remained sexually active throughout the follow-up period without any lifestyle modifications.

Recurrent urinary tract infections (rUTIs) in healthy females remain a significant medical challenge as there is no established hypothesis to explain why some women are more susceptible to rUTIs than others. While pinworm () is a well-recognized parasite, research has primarily focused on its effect on children – with few studies investigating its impact on the adult population. This may be attributed to the fact that pinworm infections in adults are mostly self-limiting and asymptomatic. However, some case reports have documented complications arising from pinworm.

This case raises the question of whether empirical treatment with mebendazole should be considered for recurrent uncomplicated UTIs in sexually active, healthy females – alongside standard antibiotic therapy. Identifying pinworm infection in healthy adult females with rUTIs could provide valuable insights, particularly if an association between the two is confirmed.

© 2025 Huda, Yasir, Mughal, Arif, licensee HBKU Press.
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2025-09-22
2026-03-09

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/content/journals/10.5339/qmj.2025.92
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Use of mebendazole (anthelmintic) for recurrent uncomplicated urinary tract infections in a healthy female: A case report
Qatar Medical Journal 2025, 92 (2025); https://doi.org/10.5339/qmj.2025.92
/content/journals/10.5339/qmj.2025.92
/content/journals/10.5339/qmj.2025.92
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  • Article Type: Case Report
Keyword(s): anthelmintic, case report, mebendazole, pinworm and Recurrent urinary tract infection

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