Anti-escherichia coli adhesin activity of cranberry and blueberry juices

To the Editor: Cranberry juice is widely recommended, particularly in the United States, for the treatment of urinary tract infections. The beneficial effects of the juice have been attributed to its hippuric acid content, although there is no scientific basis for this hypothesis.^1,2 Recently, a number of studies have suggested that its effects are due to antiadhesive agents.^{3 4 5} Adhesion of Escherichia coli, the most common bacteria causing urinary tract infections, to cells of the urinary and alimentary tracts enables them to withstand cleansing mechanisms and to overcome nutrient deprivation, resulting in growth advantages and enhanced toxicity.⁶ Some years ago …