Expression of P fimbriae of uropathogenic Escherichia coli strains
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.
Abstract:
The occurrence of P fimbriae in a total of 222 uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) strains was investigated. Out of the total, 31 (14%) were P fimbriated. Of 24 pyelonephritogenic E. coli strains, three (13%) with P fimbriae occurred in children with clinical pyelonephritis, and of 198 E. coli strains 29 (15%) occurred in children with cystitis. Prevalence of P fimbriae of E. coli strains was found to be quite similar in patients with cystitis and pyelonephritis
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