New Research Shows Bacteria may Help Kidney Stones Form
- Staff
- Jun 8
- 2 min read
About 1 in 10 people will develop a kidney stone at some point in their life. They can appear suddenly, and the symptoms can be extremely painful.
Now, new research is changing how we understand why kidney stones form, which could lead to better ways to prevent and treat them.
What is a Kidney Stone?
A kidney stone is a hard, pebble-like piece of material that forms in the kidneys when certain minerals in urine stick together and crystallize. Kidney stones can be as small as a grain of sand or as large as a golf ball. Smaller stones may pass on their own, but larger stones may get stuck and require medical intervention.
Common Kidney Stone Symptoms
Kidney stone symptoms often begin when a stone moves or blocks urine flow.
The most common signs include:
Sharp pain in your side, back, or lower belly
Pain that comes in waves and can move toward the groin
Blood in the urine (pink, red, or brown urine)
Burning or pain when urinating
Frequent urge to urinate
Nausea or vomiting
Fever and chills
It’s very important to go to the emergency room if you begin experiencing any of these symptoms.
New Research Suggests Bacteria may Help Kidney Stones Form
A major NIH-funded study published in January 2026 found that bacteria are present in many kidney stones, including some previously thought not to have bacteria.
Key findings include:
Bacteria were found in both struvite stones and calcium stones
Some calcium stones, previously believed to have no bacteria, contained microbes
Bacteria were found both inside the stones and on their surface
These bacteria formed biofilms or protective communities of microbes
Nearly half of the stones from people without urinary tract infections still contained bacteria
In simple terms, bacteria may not just be there. They may help stones form.
Why This Research Matters
This discovery challenges a long-held belief that most kidney stones form just from chemical buildup in urine.
Instead, researchers now believe:
Some kidney stones may have a biological (not just chemical) cause
Bacteria may act as “building blocks” for kidney stones
Biofilms may create a surface where minerals can stick and grow
Researchers say this information could lead to new treatments that:
Prevent stones from forming
Target bacterial biofilms
Reduce kidney stone recurrence
Take Action: Protect your Kidney Health
While research continues, there are still important steps you can take today:
Drink enough fluids each day
Follow your care team’s advice if you’ve had stones before
Talk to your doctor if you notice symptoms early
Ask about your personal risk for recurrence
*This content is provided for informational use only and is not intended as medical advice or as a substitute for the medical advice of a healthcare professional.
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