Usefulness of Individualized Homeopathy versus Standard Allopathic Treatment in Acute Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): A Randomized Comparative Trial

Background: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is among the most prevailing infectious diseases with a substantial financial burden on society. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in UTIs represents a critical global healthcare issue; hence, there is a necessity to explore evidence-based potential alternative treatment options. Objective: The primary objective of this study is to assess and compare the clinical outcome of treatment with homeopathic medicine and allopathic medicine in uncomplicated UTI using the validated urinary tract infection symptom assessment (UTISA) questionnaire. The secondary objective is to compare the changes in quality of life (QoL), urine culture, and recurrence rates in both groups. Methods: A multicentric open-label randomized comparative trial was undertaken on patients of both sexes aged 18 to 60 years presenting with clinical signs and symptoms of uncomplicated UTI. Participants were randomized to receive either individualised homeopathy (H), prescribed by a qualified homeopathic physician, or allopathic (A) treatment, including the antibiotic therapy prescribed by an allopathic consultant engaged in the study. Routine microbiological tests for urine cultures were performed. A per-protocol approach was used for analysis. Results: Seventy eligible participants who agreed to participate in the study were enrolled and randomized into the H-group ( n = 36) and A-group ( n = 34). Statistically significant reduction was found in mean UTISA severity scores from 10.00 to 1.68 and 10.53 to 1.94 in the H and A groups, respectively, by the 10th day. The symptom severity reduction was greater (51%) in the H-group as compared with the A-group (38%) by the third day. The impact of symptoms on QoL was significantly improved in both groups; however, the bothersomeness score in the H-group reduced by 55% as compared with 40% in the A-group by the third day. Overall, recurrence rates during the 6-month follow-up were lower in the H-group (17.65% vs. 37.5%); however, microbiologic success (clearance of the infection) by the 10th day was higher in the A-group. In the H-group, Cantharis, Natrum muriaticum, Pulsatilla, Sulphur, and Apis mellifera were the most frequently prescribed medicines. Conclusion: Individualised homeopathy might be an effective treatment for symptomatic relief and prevention of recurrence in acute uncomplicated UTIs. This gives a promising option for a delayed antibiotic approach based on severity. However, large-scale trials should be conducted to validate the results.