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Intrarenal Injection of Escherichia coli in a Rat Model of Pyelonephritis
Published on: July 18, 2017
Comparison of virulence variations on MDCK monolayers by Escherichia coli isolated from acute lobar nephronia and
Chi-Hui Cheng1, Lin-Hui Su, Yong-Kwei Tsau
1Division of Pediatric Nephrology, Department of Pediatrics, Chang Gung Children's Hospital, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
Abstract:
Escherichia coli is the most common pathogen associated with acute lobar nephronia (ALN), a clinically more severe parenchymal inflammatory disease that requires a longer duration of antibiotic treatment than acute pyelonephritis (APN). This study was conducted to unravel the virulence differences between clinical isolates of E. coli from pediatric ALN and APN patients. A total of 88 urinary isolates of E. coli were investigated. They were identified from radiologically diagnosed ALN and APN patients and had previously been molecularly characterized for important urovirulence genes. Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) epithelial cells were used as an in vitro model. Multivariate logistic regression analyses indicated that ALN isolates were more likely to show adhesion (p<0.05; odds ratio [OR], 3.81; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.23-11.80) and cytotoxicity (p<0.001; OR, 10.42; 95% CI, 3.03-35.89). However, no difference in the penetration ability was noted. Henceforth, the ability to adhere to and produce cytotoxicity against uroepithelial cells appears a prerequisite factor for E. coli to cause more severe bacterial kidney infection, such as ALN.
Insights
Escherichia coli causing acute lobar nephronia (ALN) shows greater adhesion and cytotoxicity than those causing acute pyelonephritis (APN). These virulence factors are key to developing severe bacterial kidney infections.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Urology
- Pathogen Virulence
Background:
- Escherichia coli is the primary pathogen in acute lobar nephronia (ALN), a severe kidney infection.
- ALN requires longer antibiotic treatment compared to acute pyelonephritis (APN).
- Understanding virulence differences is crucial for managing pediatric kidney infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate virulence disparities between E. coli isolates from pediatric ALN and APN patients.
- To identify specific virulence factors contributing to the severity of ALN.
Main Methods:
- Analyzed 88 E. coli urinary isolates from radiologically confirmed ALN and APN pediatric cases.
- Utilized Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells for in vitro adhesion and cytotoxicity assays.
- Employed multivariate logistic regression for statistical analysis of virulence factors.
Main Results:
- E. coli isolates from ALN patients exhibited significantly higher adhesion rates to uroepithelial cells (p<0.05).
- ALN isolates demonstrated markedly increased cytotoxicity against MDCK cells (p<0.001).
- No significant difference in the penetration ability of E. coli between ALN and APN groups was observed.
Conclusions:
- Enhanced adhesion and cytotoxicity are critical virulence factors distinguishing E. coli causing ALN from those causing APN.
- These properties appear to be prerequisites for the development of severe bacterial kidney infections like ALN.
- Findings provide insights into the pathogenesis of pediatric urinary tract infections and inform treatment strategies.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Acute Pyelonephritis I: Introduction
01:28Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management
01:20Determinants of Bacterial Pathogenicity and Virulence