Abstract
Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) is the most common pathogen causing urinary tract infection (UTI). Various virulent factors of UPEC involved in the pathogenic process of UTI, including adhesins, iron uptake-related factors, protectins, and toxins. Adhesion factors can help UPEC to adhere to the surface of the epithelial cell in the host urinary tract. Iron ion acquisition factors can help the pathogen to get iron from the host body, and then multiply and cause disease. Various toxins produced by the pathogen can cause damage to the host epithelial cells and release of nutrients and other nutritional factors that help UPEC to survive and grow. Protectins can protect UPEC from the host complement system mediated bactericidal effect and the phagocytosis of phagocytic cells. In this review, the most recent research progress on the various virulence characteristics of UPEC will be discussed.(Chin J Lab Med, 2017, 40: 67-71) Key words: Urinary tract infections; Uropathogenic escherichia coli; Virulence; Virulence factors
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