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Frequency of gene sequences necessary for pyelonephritis-associated pili expression among isolates of
Abstract:
Bacteria representing eight genera of the Enterobacteriaceae were collected from human extraintestinal infections and examined to determine whether they contained gene sequences necessary for expression of a pili type often associated with bacteria causing human pyelonephritis. Escherichia coli isolated from most of the extraintestinal sites were frequently found to possess pap-related DNA sequences. Isolates which possessed these sequences were often found to exhibit D-mannose-resistant hemagglutination of human erythrocytes and to have surface antigens related to P pili.
Insights
Certain bacteria from extraintestinal infections possess gene sequences for P pili, a factor linked to pyelonephritis. Escherichia coli frequently showed these pap-related sequences, correlating with mannose-resistant hemagglutination and P pili antigens.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Enterobacteriaceae are common causes of human extraintestinal infections.
- P pili are a type of bacterial appendage associated with pyelonephritis (kidney infection).
- The genetic basis for P pili expression in various Enterobacteriaceae is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence of gene sequences for P pili in Enterobacteriaceae from human extraintestinal infections.
- To correlate the presence of these sequences with specific bacterial characteristics.
Main Methods:
- Collection of bacterial isolates from human extraintestinal infections.
- Examination of bacterial DNA for pap-related gene sequences using molecular techniques.
- Assay for D-mannose-resistant hemagglutination of human erythrocytes.
- Analysis of surface antigens related to P pili.
Main Results:
- Bacteria from eight genera of Enterobacteriaceae were analyzed.
- Escherichia coli isolates from most extraintestinal sites frequently contained pap-related DNA sequences.
- Isolates with these sequences often exhibited D-mannose-resistant hemagglutination.
- These isolates also showed surface antigens related to P pili.
Conclusions:
- Pap-related DNA sequences are present in Enterobacteriaceae from human extraintestinal infections, particularly Escherichia coli.
- The presence of these sequences is associated with P pili-like characteristics, including hemagglutination and specific surface antigens.
- This suggests a potential role for these genetic elements in the pathogenesis of extraintestinal infections.