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Bacterial Morphotypes as Important Trait for Uropathogenic E. coli Diagnostic; a Virulence-Phenotype-Phylogeny Study

Manuel G Ballesteros-Monrreal1, Margarita M P Arenas-Hernández2, Edwin Barrios-Villa3

  • 1Departamento de Ciencias Químico-Biológicas, Universidad de Sonora, Hermosillo C.P. 83000, Sonora, Mexico.

Microorganisms
|November 27, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) morphotypes in urine are linked to urinary tract infections (UTIs) in Mexico. Identifying these bacterial forms and virulence factors aids in diagnosing and managing UTIs.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Urology

Background:

  • Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common in Mexico, primarily caused by Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC).
  • UPEC virulence factors contribute to UTI pathogenesis, and bacterial morphotypes are associated with diagnostic complications.
  • Understanding UPEC characteristics in specific populations is crucial for effective UTI management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate bacterial morphotypes, virulence genes, phenotypes, antibiotic resistance, and phylogenetic groups of UPEC clinical isolates from women in Sonora, Mexico.
  • To assess the clinical relevance of UPEC morphotypes in UTI diagnosis and management.
  • To characterize UPEC strains prevalent in the Sonora region.

Main Methods:

  • Isolation and characterization of 40 Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) strains from clinical urine samples.
  • Observation of bacterial morphotypes in urine samples.
  • Analysis of virulence genes (e.g., fimH, fliCD, sfaD/focC) and phenotypes (biofilm formation, motility).
  • Determination of antibiotic resistance profiles and phylogenetic grouping (e.g., group B2).

Main Results:

  • Bacterial morphotypes were observed in 65% of urine samples positive for E. coli.
  • Phylogenetic group B2 was the most prevalent.
  • High prevalence of virulence genes fimH (100%), fliCD (90%), and sfaD/focC (72%).
  • Dominant phenotypes included biofilm formation (100%) and motility (98%).
  • Significant antibiotic resistance to aminoglycosides and β-lactams was noted.

Conclusions:

  • The presence of UPEC morphotypes in urine sediment should be integrated into urinalysis.
  • UPEC isolates from Sonora exhibit virulence factors and resistance patterns associated with upper, lower, and recurrent UTIs.
  • These findings highlight the need for targeted diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for UTIs in this region.
Keywords:
UPEC morphotypesUPEC virulenceurinary tract infection

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