Related Experiment Video

Updated: Sep 27, 2026

Isolation of Single Intracellular Bacterial Communities Generated from a Murine Model of Urinary Tract Infection for Downstream Single-cell Analysis
07:34

Isolation of Single Intracellular Bacterial Communities Generated from a Murine Model of Urinary Tract Infection for Downstream Single-cell Analysis

Published on: April 16, 2019

[Effect of P fimbriae on pyuria and bacterial colonization of the human urinary tract]

B Wullt1, G Bergsten, M Samuelsson

  • 1Department of Urology, Lund University Hospital, Lund, Sweden. bjorn.wullt@urokir.lu.se

Der Urologe. Ausg. A
|February 28, 2003
PubMed

Insights

P fimbriae, a component of Escherichia coli, enhance bacterial colonization and persistence in the human urinary tract. These P fimbriae also trigger a significant host immune response, including neutrophils and cytokines.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Immunology
  • Urology

Background:

  • Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a common cause of urinary tract infections.
  • P fimbriae are virulence factors implicated in E. coli pathogenesis.
  • The specific role of P fimbriae in human urinary tract colonization and host response requires further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of P fimbriae in Escherichia coli colonization and persistence in the human urinary tract.
  • To determine the impact of P fimbriae on host immune responses, including neutrophil and cytokine levels.
  • To assess the bacterial load required for persistent bacteriuria and host response induction.

Main Methods:

  • Human volunteers were intravesically inoculated with nonadherent E. coli 83972 and its P fimbriated transformants.
  • Urine samples were collected over time for bacterial culture, neutrophil counts, and cytokine (IL-6, IL-8) analysis.
  • Quantitative analysis of bacterial colonization, persistence, and host response markers was performed.

Main Results:

  • P fimbriated E. coli transformants demonstrated enhanced bacterial colonization compared to the nonadherent strain.
  • Lower bacterial numbers were required for persistent bacteriuria in the presence of P fimbriae.
  • P fimbriae reduced the bacterial threshold for eliciting significant neutrophil and cytokine host responses.

Conclusions:

  • P fimbriae significantly enhance Escherichia coli colonization and persistence in the human urinary tract.
  • P fimbriae act as potent inducers of the host immune response in the urinary tract.
  • Understanding the role of P fimbriae is crucial for developing targeted therapies against E. coli urinary tract infections.

More Related Videos

Establishment and Characterization of UTI and CAUTI in a Mouse Model08:40

Establishment and Characterization of UTI and CAUTI in a Mouse Model

Published on: June 23, 2015

Related Concept Videos

Microbiota of the Urogenital Tract01:28

Microbiota of the Urogenital Tract

The human urogenital system, once thought to be sterile in healthy individuals, is now recognized as a complex microbial habitat. Advancements in molecular sequencing techniques have revealed that even in healthy adults, the kidneys and bladder harbor microbial populations similar to those found in the distal urethra, albeit in much lower abundance. These resident microorganisms, while generally innocuous, can become opportunistic pathogens under conditions that alter the urogenital...
Fimbriae, Pili, and Axial Filaments01:28

Fimbriae, Pili, and Axial Filaments

Fimbriae and pili are specialized bacterial surface structures that play pivotal roles in adhesion, genetic exchange, and motility. Composed primarily of pilin protein, these hairlike appendages are crucial for bacterial survival and pathogenicity in various environments.Fimbriae: Adhesion and PathogenicityFimbriae are fine, filamentous structures measuring 2–10 nanometers in diameter and are densely distributed on the bacterial cell surface. They facilitate bacterial adhesion to abiotic...
Urinary Tract Infection II: Pathophysiology01:25

Urinary Tract Infection II: Pathophysiology

The pathophysiology of urinary tract infections (UTIs) encompasses several progressive stages, beginning with bacterial colonization and culminating in potential systemic complications if untreated. UTIs are primarily initiated by bacteria, such as Escherichia coli, which often originate from the gastrointestinal tract and migrate to the urinary system through the periurethral area. This migration can occur via several routes, including improper hygiene practices, sexual activity, or...
Acute Pyelonephritis I: Introduction01:27

Acute Pyelonephritis I: Introduction

Pyelonephritis is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the renal parenchyma and collecting system, including the renal pelvis, tubules, and interstitial tissue of one or both kidneys. It can be classified as either acute—a sudden, severe infection—or chronic, which refers to long-term or recurrent kidney infections.The primary cause of acute pyelonephritis (APN) is bacterial infection, with Escherichia coli accounting for approximately 70-80% of cases. Other bacteria, such as Proteus,...
Surface Membrane Barriers01:18

Surface Membrane Barriers

The skin and mucous membranes serve as the primary line of defense against pathogens by providing both physical and chemical protection. These barriers are essential in preventing the entry and establishment of microbes, thereby maintaining the integrity of the host.
The outer layer of the skin, the epidermis, is a robust barrier comprising layers of closely packed keratinized cells. This dense arrangement prevents microbes from penetrating the body. The periodic shedding of epidermal cells...
Urinary Tract Infection I: Introduction01:26

Urinary Tract Infection I: Introduction

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) impact various parts of the urinary system, including the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. These infections are generally bacterial, with Escherichia coli being the most common causative agent, often originating from the gastrointestinal tract. However, other bacteria, such as Staphylococcus saprophyticus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Proteus mirabilis, are also known to cause UTIs. The type, location, and underlying complexity of the UTI guide both...