Perbedaan Kadar Cathelicidin pada Wanita Dengan Dan Tanpa Infeksi Saluran Kemih pada Wanita Usia Reproduksi di RSP Prof. Dr. Chairuddin P. Lubis Universitas Sumatera Utara Medan dan RSUD Dr. Pirngadi Medan

Abstract

Background: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most common bacterial infections among women of reproductive age and is often recurrent. Long-term antibiotic prophylaxis has limitations due to antimicrobial resistance and adverse effects. Cathelicidin is an endogenous antimicrobial peptide that plays a crucial role in innate immunity of the urinary tract and is influenced by vitamin D status. However, studies evaluating the association between cathelicidin levels and UTI among women of reproductive age in Indonesia remain limited. Methods: This study was an observational analytic study with a cross-sectional design conducted at RSP Prof. Dr. Chairuddin P. Lubis, Universitas Sumatera Utara Hospital, and RSUD Dr. Pirngadi Medan. Women of reproductive age were divided into two groups: those with UTI and those without UTI. Serum cathelicidin levels were measured using the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) method. Statistical analysis was performed to compare cathelicidin levels between the two groups. Results: The results demonstrated that serum cathelicidin levels were significantly lower in women with UTI compared to those without UTI. This finding indicates a significant association between reduced cathelicidin levels and the occurrence of urinary tract infection in women of reproductive age.