Genotypic Analysis of E. coli Strains Isolated from Patients with Cystitis and Pyelonephritis

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Genetics

Background:

• Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common, frequently caused by uropathogenic Escherichia coli (E. coli).
• E. coli strains are genetically diverse, impacting UTI pathogenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To perform genotypic analysis of E. coli strains from patients with cystitis and pyelonephritis.
• To investigate the genetic relatedness and clonal diversity of E. coli isolates causing different UTI types.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of 90 E. coli strains (48 pyelonephritis, 42 cystitis) isolated between 2008-2009.
• Strain identification using standard microbiological methods.
• Genotyping via pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and comparative analysis using dendrograms.

Main Results:

• Sixty-five distinct PFGE profiles were identified among the E. coli strains.
• Thirty-six profiles for pyelonephritis isolates and 33 for cystitis isolates were observed.
• Strain genome sizes ranged from 1610-4170 kbp, with most exhibiting 12-13 bands in PFGE.

Conclusions:

• Genotypic patterns indicate varied clonalities among E. coli strains causing UTIs.
• Common genetic patterns were observed between strains causing pyelonephritis and cystitis.
• Different gene factors may contribute to the distinct disease manifestations of UTIs.