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[Methods of detection of P-fimbria in uropathogenic E. coli]
1Ustav preventívnej a klinickej medicíny, Bratislava.
Insights
P-fimbriae, a virulence factor in E. coli, were found in over half of pediatric urinary tract infection strains. These strains expressed P-fimbriae in vitro and carried Pap genes, influencing bacterial adherence.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs) in children are frequently caused by Escherichia coli (E. coli).
- P-fimbriae are known virulence factors associated with E. coli pathogenicity, particularly in pyelonephritis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the surface properties of E. coli strains isolated from children with UTIs.
- To investigate the presence and expression of P-fimbriae and their associated Pap genes in these strains.
Main Methods:
- E. coli strains were isolated from urine samples of children diagnosed with UTIs.
- P-fimbriae detection utilized the P-fimbrial (PF) test and haemagglutination assays.
- Pap gene presence was determined using a DNA probe.
- Bacterial adherence to tissue culture cells was assessed.
Main Results:
- P-fimbriae were detected in 30-54% of E. coli strains isolated from pyelonephritis cases.
- All detected P-fimbriae-positive strains demonstrated in vitro expression of these fimbriae.
- Pap genes were identified in 85% of pyelonephritis-associated E. coli strains.
- Bacterial adherence patterns (diffuse and localized) were observed, but not directly correlated with P-fimbriae expression on agar.
Conclusions:
- P-fimbriae and Pap genes are prevalent in E. coli strains causing pediatric UTIs, particularly pyelonephritis.
- While P-fimbriae expression and Pap genes are present, their direct correlation with specific adherence patterns in vitro requires further investigation.
Abstract:
We characterized the surface properties of E. coli strains isolated from urine of children with urinary tract infections. The PF test and haemagglutination reaction were used for detection of P-fimbriae. P-fimbriae were detected in 30-54% of the pyelonephritic strains. All these strains expressed P-fimbriae in vitro. Pap genes were determined by a DNA probe in 85% of the strains isolated from pyelonephritis. These strains showed diffuse and localized adherence to tissue culture cells without any association to the expression of P-fimbriae on agar medium.