How Uropathogenic E. coli Use Secretion Systems to Cause Infections
Author Information
Author(s): Kulkarni Ritwij, Dhakal Bijaya K., Slechta E. Susan, Kurtz Zachary, Mulvey Matthew A., Thanassi David G.
Primary Institution: Stony Brook University
Hypothesis
What roles do Type II secretion systems (T2SS) and Type IV pili (T4P) play in the virulence of uropathogenic Escherichia coli?
Conclusion
The study found that T2SS and T4P systems are important for the virulence of uropathogenic E. coli, particularly in kidney colonization.
Supporting Evidence
- Knockout mutants of UTI89 showed reduced ability to colonize kidneys.
- UTI89 ΔhofQ and ΔgspD mutants had defects in efflux from bladder cells.
- CFT073 ΔyheF ΔhofQ double mutant showed significantly lower kidney colonization.
Takeaway
This study shows that certain systems in bacteria help them stick around and cause infections in the urinary tract, especially in the kidneys.
Methodology
The researchers created knockout mutations in secretin genes of UPEC strains and tested their virulence in tissue culture assays and a mouse model.
Limitations
The study did not explore all potential virulence factors and focused primarily on T2SS and T4P.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.03
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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