Related Experiment Videos
Amoxicillin promotes vaginal colonization with adhering Escherichia coli present in faeces
M Herthelius1, R Möllby, C E Nord
1Department of Paediatrics, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.
Abstract:
This study is aimed at a better understanding of the pathogenesis of urinary tract infection (UTI) by examining factors influencing the bacterial ecology of the genital tract. It comprises two sets of experiments in a monkey model. In the first the persistence and transmission between individuals of a P-fimbriated Escherichia coli (strain DS17) in faeces was examined and in the second we studied the influence of amoxicillin on the occurrence of this strain in the vagina. Orally administered E. coli DS17 was shown to spread to cage mates and to persist in the gut for at least 17-18 months. One of four monkeys so colonized developed three separate UTIs with the DS17 strain. The second set of experiments comprised four other monkeys, who either harboured the E. coli DS17 strain in the faeces and/or in small amounts in the vagina, probably through contamination during defaecation. Amoxicillin induced a persistent vaginal E. coli DS17 colonization in nine of ten experiments. The study thus shows that uropathogenic E. coli may persist for long time in the faeces and that, in this situation, amoxicillin may promote an abnormal, vaginal E. coli colonization similar to that characteristic of females prone to recurrent UTI and often preceding manifest urinary infections.
Insights
This study shows that uropathogenic Escherichia coli (E. coli) can persist in feces long-term. Amoxicillin may promote vaginal E. coli colonization, increasing urinary tract infection (UTI) risk.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Urology
Background:
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common, with recurrent cases often linked to bacterial colonization of the genital tract.
- Understanding the factors influencing bacterial ecology is crucial for preventing UTIs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the persistence and transmission of P-fimbriated Escherichia coli (E. coli) in the gut and its role in UTI pathogenesis.
- To examine the effect of amoxicillin on E. coli colonization in the vagina.
Main Methods:
- A monkey model was used to study E. coli DS17 persistence in feces and transmission.
- Experiments assessed the influence of amoxicillin on vaginal E. coli DS17 occurrence.
Main Results:
- Orally administered E. coli DS17 persisted in monkey feces for over 17 months and spread to cage mates.
- One colonized monkey developed three UTIs caused by E. coli DS17.
- Amoxicillin treatment induced persistent vaginal E. coli DS17 colonization in 90% of experiments.
Conclusions:
- Uropathogenic E. coli can persist in the gut for extended periods.
- Amoxicillin can promote abnormal vaginal E. coli colonization, mirroring conditions in women prone to recurrent UTIs and potentially preceding infections.