Abstract
Extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli (ExPEC) are the major aetiological agent of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in humans. The emergence of the CTX-M producing clone E. coli ST131 represents a major challenge to public health worldwide. A recent study on the metabolic potential of E. coli isolates demonstrated an association between the E. coli ST131 clone and enhanced utilisation of a panel of metabolic substrates. The studies presented here investigated the metabolic potential of ST131 and other major ExPEC ST isolates using 120 API test reagents and found that ST131 isolates demonstrated a lower metabolic activity for 5 of 120 biochemical tests in comparison to non-ST131 ExPEC isolates. Furthermore, comparative phenotypic microarray analysis showed a lack of specific metabolic profile for ST131 isolates countering the suggestion that these bacteria are metabolically fitter and therefore more successful human pathogens.
Highlights
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common bacterial infections acquired both in the community and hospital settings [1]
It is well documented that Escherichia coli is the main causative agent of UTIs [8], and the extra-intestinal pathogenic E. coli [Extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli (ExPEC)] group have the capability of causing communityacquired UTIs, accounting for more than 85% of infections [9]
The increased capability of the E. coli CFT073 strain to catabolise the amino acid D-serine during UTI can lead to increased levels of colonisation and virulence gene expression [34]
Summary
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common bacterial infections acquired both in the community and hospital settings [1]. UTIs occur in all age groups and in both genders [2,3], while their incidence increases with age [4] They are more common in women than men [2], with an estimated 33% of women suffering from a UTI by the age of 24 [5]. ExPEC have been associated with a high level of extended spectrum b-lactamase (ESBL) gene carriage [11,12]. This is of great concern since it can limit the therapeutic choices used for treating infections, and these organisms may act as a major reservoir of antimicrobial resistance
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