Bacteria Linked to Kidney Stone Formation

Researchers found that bacteria likely plays a key role in most kidney stones. Previous studies only linked bacteria with kidney stones that formed after an infection.

Kidney stones are hard, pebble-like pieces that form in your kidneys. They are made of minerals that build up in urine. Most are made of calcium oxalate. Others form after urinary tract infections (UTIs). This type is made of struvite. Struvite stones are linked to bacteria that cause UTIs.

Researchers used high-powered microscopes to look at kidney stones removed by surgery. They looked at both calcium oxalate and struvite stones.

The team found bacteria in stones from both people with and without UTIs. Bacteria were organized into biofilms inside the stones. Biofilms are communities of microbes that stick to each other and to surfaces. They appeared to release molecules that spur minerals to clump together and form stones.

Researchers are trying to learn more about the link between bacteria and kidney stones. The findings could lead to new ways to prevent or remove kidney stones.

“This breakthrough challenges the long-held assumption that these stones develop solely through chemical and physical processes,” says Dr. Kymora Scotland of the University of California, Los Angeles. “Instead, it shows that bacteria can reside inside stones and may actively contribute to their formation.”