B Cell Infiltration and Lymphonodular Hyperplasia in Bladder Submucosa of Patients With Persistent Bacteriuria and Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections

Patients with persistent bacteriuria or recurrent urinary tract infections had significant B cell infiltration in the submucosa, including lymphoid nodules. These inflammatory changes are likely due to antigenic stimulation from repeated exposure to bacteria. These changes are associated with frequent absence of uroplakin on surface epithelium.