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Abstract
It has long been recognised that some individuals produce urine that is inhibitory
to uropathogens. This may be partly explained by inhibitors. Several inhibitors have
been identified in urine including urea and organic acids. Bacteria adapt to high
osmolarity by activating osmoregulated betaine porters and accumulating organic osmolytes
intracellularly. The preferred substrate is glycine betaine, which is present in urine,
and promotes rapid growth by balancing osmotic forces and stabilising macromolecular
structures against the toxicity of urea and low pH. Other dietary betaines such as
trigonelline may also be taken but enhance urea toxicity. The importance of such compounds
in vivo is unknown.