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Escherichia coli Strains with Virulent Factors Typical for Uropathogens were Isolated from Sinuses from Patients with
Beata Krawczyk1, Michał Michalik2, Magdalena Fordon1
1Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Microbiology, Faculty of Chemistry, Gdańsk University of Technology, 80-233 Gdańsk, Poland.
Abstract:
Escherichia coli were isolated from three patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) by intraoperative sinus tissue biopsy. Taking into account the unusual replicative niche and previous treatment failures, it was decided to focus on the virulence and drug resistance of these bacteria. The strains turned out to be multi-sensitive, but the rich virulence factors profile of bacteria typical for phylogenetic group B2 deserved attention. Tests were carried out for the presence of 32 genes using the PCR method. Particularly noteworthy are the toxins Cnf-1, HlyA, Usp-an extensive iron uptake system (enterobactin, salmochelin, yersiniabactin and outer membrane hemin receptor ChuA)-SPATE autotransporters such as vat and pic, Ag43 autoaggregative protein-important for biofilm formation-and TosA/B which enhance the fitness of E.coli. All these virulence factors are identified predominantly in UPEC strains and provide a fitness advantage during colonization of the sinuses. Patients with CRS should be asked for past or present UTI. The specific virulence factors of E. coli that facilitate the colonization of the GI tract and urinary tract may also favor the colonization of a new ecological niche (sinuses) as a result of microbial imbalance or dysbiosis.
Insights
Escherichia coli strains from chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) patients possess significant virulence factors, typically found in uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC). These factors may explain sinus colonization and treatment resistance in CRS.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Genetics
- Pathogenesis
Background:
- Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) presents challenges due to treatment failures and unusual bacterial niches.
- Investigating the genetic basis of virulence in bacteria isolated from CRS is crucial for understanding pathogenesis.
Observation:
- Escherichia coli was isolated from three CRS patients via sinus tissue biopsy.
- PCR analysis identified 32 virulence genes in the isolated E. coli strains.
- The strains belonged to phylogenetic group B2, known for its association with virulence.
Findings:
- The E. coli strains exhibited multi-sensitivity to antibiotics but possessed a rich profile of virulence factors.
- Key virulence factors identified include toxins (Cnf-1, HlyA, Usp), extensive iron uptake systems, SPATE autotransporters (vat, pic), Ag43 autoaggregative protein, and TosA/B.
- These factors are predominantly found in Uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC) and enhance bacterial fitness for colonization.
Implications:
- The identified virulence factors may facilitate E. coli colonization of the sinuses, contributing to CRS persistence.
- Clinicians should inquire about a history of urinary tract infections (UTI) in CRS patients.
- Virulence factors aiding colonization in the gastrointestinal and urinary tracts might also promote sinus colonization during dysbiosis.
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