Urine concentrations of human beta-defensins and ribonuclease 7 in urinary tract infection and asymptomatic bacteriuria

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) provide a first line of defense against bacterial infections. Here we report that urine levels of AMPs, locally produced in the urinary tract, are lower in individuals with asymptomatic bacteriuria (ABU) compared to patients with urinary tract infection (UTI).