Expression of P fimbriae of uropathogenic Escherichia coli strains

G Coşar1, M Hoşgör, O Ozgenç

  • 1Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ege University, Turkey.

Insights

P fimbriae, a common virulence factor in uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC), were found in 14% of strains. Their prevalence was similar in children with cystitis and pyelonephritis.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Urology
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) are a leading cause of urinary tract infections (UTIs).
  • P fimbriae are significant virulence factors associated with pyelonephritis, a severe form of UTI.
  • Understanding the prevalence of P fimbriae in different UTI types is crucial for diagnosis and treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the occurrence of P fimbriae in UPEC strains from children with cystitis and pyelonephritis.
  • To compare the prevalence of P fimbriae between these two UTI types.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of 222 UPEC strains isolated from pediatric patients.
  • Detection of P fimbriae using appropriate microbiological techniques (details not specified in abstract).
  • Categorization of strains based on clinical diagnosis (cystitis or pyelonephritis).

Main Results:

  • P fimbriae were detected in 31 out of 222 (14%) UPEC strains.
  • Among 24 pyelonephritogenic strains, 3 (13%) harbored P fimbriae.
  • Of 198 strains from cystitis cases, 29 (15%) were P fimbriated.
  • The prevalence of P fimbriae was comparable between E. coli strains from cystitis and pyelonephritis patients.

Conclusions:

  • P fimbriae occur in a notable proportion of UPEC strains causing UTIs in children.
  • The prevalence of P fimbriae does not significantly differ between pediatric cystitis and pyelonephritis cases.
  • These findings suggest P fimbriae may play a role in both lower and upper UTIs in children.

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