Urinary tract infection (UTI) and urolithiasis are closely related clinical entities that frequently coexist and influence each other’s pathogenesis and clinical course. Infection-related stones, particularly struvite and carbonate apatite stones, have long been recognized as consequences of ureaseproducing bacterial infections. However, recent evidence suggests that the role of microorganisms—especially Escherichia coli—in stone disease may extend beyond traditional infection stones; in particular, biofilm formation by microorganisms may contribute to the formation and growth of calcium-based stones. This review summarizes current knowledge on the pathophysiological mechanisms linking UTI and urolithiasis, with a focus on the biochemical processes underlying infection-related stone formation, the characteristics of different stone compositions, and emerging concepts regarding bacterial involvement in metabolic stone disease. A better understanding of the interplay between UTI and urolithiasis may improve preventive strategies, guide antimicrobial and surgical decision-making, and ultimately reduce recurrence rates. This review highlights the need for an integrated clinical approach that considers both infectious and metabolic factors in patients with urinary stone disease.
Dong Sup Lee (Tue,) studied this question.