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Multiple forms of genes in pyelonephritogenic Escherichia coli encoding adhesins binding globoseries glycolipid
Abstract:
Earlier studies have shown that the majority of Escherichia coli isolates from urinary tract infections which possess a D-mannose-resistant adhesin contain gene sequences homologous to the pap pilus gene sequences encoded on the recombinant plasmid pRHU845. In this report, several E. coli isolates from urinary tract infections were examined to determined the arrangement of pap-related sequences. Copies of gene sequences homologous to the entire pap operon were found to exist at multiple sites in the chromosomes of some strains. The position of the pap operon(s) with respect to adjacent sequences was also found to be variable.
Insights
Most Escherichia coli causing urinary tract infections contain pap gene sequences. These pap operons are found at multiple chromosomal locations and their positions vary between strains.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Many Escherichia coli strains causing urinary tract infections (UTIs) possess D-mannose-resistant adhesins.
- These adhesins are often associated with gene sequences homologous to the pap pilus genes found on plasmid pRHU845.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the arrangement of pap-related sequences in E. coli isolates from UTIs.
- To determine the chromosomal location and variability of the pap operon in these strains.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of gene sequences in E. coli isolates from UTIs.
- Examination of the arrangement and location of pap-related sequences within the bacterial chromosome.
Main Results:
- Multiple copies of gene sequences homologous to the entire pap operon were identified in the chromosomes of some E. coli strains.
- The location of these pap operons relative to adjacent chromosomal sequences was found to be variable.
Conclusions:
- The pap operon, crucial for E. coli virulence in UTIs, exists in multiple chromosomal copies in some strains.
- The variable arrangement of the pap operon suggests genomic plasticity and potential adaptation mechanisms in uropathogenic E. coli.