Enhanced siderophore production and mouse kidney pathogenicity in Escherichia coli grown in urine

Fifteen siderophore producing urinary isolates of Escherichia coli were compared for aerobactin and enterochelin production in trypticase soy broth and pooled normal human urine. Significant increase in siderophore production (both phenolate and hydroxamate) was observed when organisms were grown in urine. Mouse kidney pathogenic potential of the strains grown in urine was compared with that of bacteria grown in trypticase soy broth in an ascending model of pyelonephritis in female Swiss Webster mice. Organisms grown in urine and instilled into a mouse bladder demonstrated markedly enhanced renal pathogenicity (p less than 0.01). Further information about the influence of urinary constituents on siderophore production could help in understanding the pathogenesis of pyelonephritis.