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Bacterial adherence in urinary tract infections: preliminary studies in a primate model
J A Roberts1, M B Kaack, E N Fussell
1Department of Urology, Delta Regional Primate Research Center, Covington, LA 70433.
Abstract:
Escherichia coli with both P and type 1 fimbriae caused vaginal colonization in the female green monkey, while only the P-fimbriated bacteria frequently caused ascending bladder infection. Bladder inoculation caused only short-lived bladder infection from type 1 fimbriated E. coli, but those with P-fimbriae caused acute pyelonephritis even in the absence of vesicoureteral reflux. Thus, type 1 fimbriae of E. coli, while causing vaginal colonization, did not often cause ascending infection in the non-compromised host as did P-fimbriated bacteria.
Insights
P-fimbriated Escherichia coli frequently cause ascending bladder infections and pyelonephritis in female monkeys. Type 1 fimbriae promote vaginal colonization but rarely lead to ascending infections in healthy hosts.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Urology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Escherichia coli (E. coli) are a common cause of urinary tract infections (UTIs).
- Bacterial fimbriae play a crucial role in E. coli pathogenesis and host colonization.
- P-fimbriae and type 1 fimbriae are distinct E. coli virulence factors with different adhesion properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the pathogenic potential of E. coli expressing P-fimbriae versus type 1 fimbriae in a primate model.
- To investigate the role of these fimbriae in vaginal colonization and ascending urinary tract infections.
Main Methods:
- Female green monkeys were inoculated intravaginally with E. coli strains expressing either P-fimbriae or type 1 fimbriae.
- Bladder inoculation was performed to assess the capacity for causing cystitis and pyelonephritis.
- Infection progression and severity were monitored.
Main Results:
- Both P-fimbriated and type 1 fimbriated E. coli successfully colonized the vagina.
- P-fimbriated E. coli frequently caused ascending bladder infections and acute pyelonephritis.
- Type 1 fimbriated E. coli caused only transient bladder infections, with no significant ascending infections observed.
Conclusions:
- P-fimbriae are critical virulence factors for E. coli causing ascending urinary tract infections and pyelonephritis in a non-compromised host model.
- Type 1 fimbriae primarily mediate vaginal colonization but are less effective in causing invasive UTIs.
- Understanding fimbrial roles is essential for developing targeted UTI prevention and treatment strategies.