Related Experiment Videos
Uropathogenic Escherichia coli causing urinary tract infections.
1Department of Microbiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India.
The Indian Journal of Medical Research
|June 4, 2002
Summary
Escherichia coli is a common cause of urinary tract infections (UTI). High antibiotic resistance was observed, highlighting the need for careful antibiotic selection. Urovirulence factors like haemolysin and fimbriae may contribute to UTI pathogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Urology
Background:
- Limited data exists on the characteristics of Escherichia coli strains causing urinary tract infections (UTI).
- Understanding urovirulence factors and antibiotic sensitivity is crucial for managing UTIs.
- Escherichia coli is a primary pathogen in UTIs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the urovirulence factors of Escherichia coli (Esch. coli) isolated from symptomatic UTI patients.
- To determine the pathogenic potential of these Esch. coli strains.
- To assess the antibiotic sensitivity profile of the isolated Esch. coli.
Main Methods:
- Semi-quantitative urine culture was performed on 370 symptomatic UTI patients.
- Phenotypic characterization of Esch. coli urovirulence factors was conducted.
- Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed on isolated Esch. coli strains.
Main Results:
- Escherichia coli accounted for 45.5% of UTIs.
- High resistance rates (70-95%) were observed for amoxycillin, cotrimoxazole, nalidixic acid, norfloxacin, and ciprofloxacin.
- Commonly identified virulence factors included haemolysin production, P-fimbriae, type 1 fimbriae, and F-fimbriae; siderophore production was universal.
Conclusions:
- Escherichia coli is the most frequent cause of UTI in the studied population.
- High levels of antibiotic resistance necessitate judicious antibiotic use.
- Specific virulence factors like haemolysin and fimbriae may be associated with urovirulence in Esch. coli.