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Identification of a modular pathogenicity island that is widespread among urease-producing uropathogens and shares

Erika L Flannery1, Lona Mody, Harry L T Mobley

  • 1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan Medical School, 5641 Medical Science Building II, 1150 West Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.

Infection and Immunity
|August 19, 2009
PubMed

Insights

A novel 94-kb pathogenicity island (ICEPm1) is shared by common urinary tract infection bacteria Proteus mirabilis, Providencia stuartii, and Morganella morganii. This island contains virulence factors and appears transferable between genera, aiding urinary tract colonization.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Genomics
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Pathogenicity islands (PAIs) are key drivers of bacterial virulence and genomic diversity.
  • Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (caUTI) are a major hospital-acquired infection, frequently caused by Proteus mirabilis, Providencia stuartii, and Morganella morganii.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify and characterize a novel pathogenicity island (PAI) common to P. mirabilis, P. stuartii, and M. morganii.
  • To investigate the role of this PAI in bacterial virulence and its potential for inter-genus transfer.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized a strain-specific comparative genomic hybridization array for PAI identification.
  • Analyzed sequence similarity across three loci within the PAI in clinical isolates.
  • Screened P. mirabilis isolates from various body sites for PAI prevalence.

Main Results:

  • Identified a 94-kb PAI, designated ICEPm1, present in P. mirabilis, P. stuartii, and M. morganii.
  • ICEpM1 harbors virulence factors like Proteus toxic agglutinin and shares homology with mobile integrative and conjugative elements (ICEs).
  • Identical sequences at three loci within ICEPm1 suggest inter-genus transfer; ICEPm1 is significantly more prevalent in urine isolates of P. mirabilis.

Conclusions:

  • ICEpM1 is a significant genetic element contributing to the virulence of common caUTI pathogens.
  • The presence and prevalence of ICEPm1 suggest its role in niche adaptation and positive selection within the urinary tract.
  • ICEpM1 represents a potential target for understanding and combating hospital-acquired urinary tract infections.

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