Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 15, 2026
08:40
Establishment and Characterization of UTI and CAUTI in a Mouse Model
Published on: June 23, 2015
21.3K
Human Urinary Composition Controls Antibacterial Activity of Siderocalin
Robin R Shields-Cutler1, Jan R Crowley2, Chia S Hung1
1From the Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Center for Women's Infectious Disease Research, and.
The Journal of Biological Chemistry
|April 12, 2015
Summary
Human urine
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Escherichia coli urinary tract infections (UTIs) involve the antimicrobial protein siderocalin (SCN), which normally inhibits bacterial iron acquisition.
- SCN sequesters iron-loaded enterobactin, a key siderophore for E. coli growth.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how human urinary constituents modulate the interaction between SCN and E. coli enterobactin.
- To identify host factors influencing SCN activity in urine.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of individual differences in urinary SCN activity.
- Biochemical assays to identify host factors correlating with SCN activity.
Main Results:
- Human urinary components can reverse SCN's inhibitory effect, making enterobactin essential for E. coli survival.
- Elevated urinary pH and specific aryl metabolites were identified as key factors controlling SCN activity.
- These metabolites are linked to intestinal microbial metabolism.
Conclusions:
- Urinary SCN activity is highly individualized due to specific biochemical factors in urine.
- This study reveals an innate immune interaction dependent on unique urinary chemistry, impacting E. coli UTI pathogenesis.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Urine Studies II: Urine Culture and Sensitivity Test
2.5K
A urine culture and sensitivity test is a diagnostic procedure used to identify urinary tract bacterial infections and determine the most effective antibiotics for treatment. This test is generally preferred when a patient shows manifestations of a urinary tract infection, such as frequent or painful urination, cloudy or foul-smelling urine, or lower abdominal pain.Purpose of the TestThe primary goals of a urine culture and sensitivity test are to:Determine the specific bacteria causing the...
2.5K
01:28Microbiota of the Urogenital Tract
49
The human urogenital system, once thought to be sterile in healthy individuals, is now recognized as a complex microbial habitat. Advancements in molecular sequencing techniques have revealed that even in healthy adults, the kidneys and bladder harbor microbial populations similar to those found in the distal urethra, albeit in much lower abundance. These resident microorganisms, while generally innocuous, can become opportunistic pathogens under conditions that alter the urogenital...
49
01:30Urinary Tract Infection III: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care
411
A healthcare provider can diagnose a urinary tract infection (UTI) through several methods:Medical History and Symptoms: The provider will take a detailed medical history and ask about symptoms such as frequent urination, burning sensation during urination, and lower abdominal pain.Urinalysis: A clean-catch urine sample is collected in a sterile container and tested for the presence of bacteria, white blood cells (leukocytes), nitrites, blood, and protein. The presence of leukocytes and...
411
01:18Surface Membrane Barriers
3.6K
The skin and mucous membranes serve as the primary line of defense against pathogens by providing both physical and chemical protection. These barriers are essential in preventing the entry and establishment of microbes, thereby maintaining the integrity of the host.
The outer layer of the skin, the epidermis, is a robust barrier comprising layers of closely packed keratinized cells. This dense arrangement prevents microbes from penetrating the body. The periodic shedding of epidermal cells...
The outer layer of the skin, the epidermis, is a robust barrier comprising layers of closely packed keratinized cells. This dense arrangement prevents microbes from penetrating the body. The periodic shedding of epidermal cells...
3.6K
01:30Urinary Tract Calculi III: Medical Management
354
The diagnosis of renal calculi involves several imaging techniques, including non-contrast CT scans and ultrasound. These methods help visualize kidney stones, assess their size and location, and detect possible obstructions. Additionally, Measuring urine pH is useful for diagnosing specific stone types, such as struvite (alkaline pH) and uric acid stones (acidic pH). Cystine stones are primarily linked to cystinuria, a genetic condition. A urinalysis helps detect blood in the urine (hematuria)...
354
01:26Urinary Tract Infection I: Introduction
1.2K
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) impact various parts of the urinary system, including the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. These infections are generally bacterial, with Escherichia coli being the most common causative agent, often originating from the gastrointestinal tract. However, other bacteria, such as Staphylococcus saprophyticus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Proteus mirabilis, are also known to cause UTIs. The type, location, and underlying complexity of the UTI guide both...
1.2K