Physicochemical surface properties of Escherichia coli strains isolated from different types of urinary tract infections

Abstract

Escherichia coli strains isolated from three groups of patients with urinary tract infections, such as acute pyelonephritis, acute cystitis, and asymptomatic bacteriuria, were analyzed with respect to their physicochemical surface properties by means of polymer two-phase partitioning in dextran-polyethylene glycol systems and hydrophobic interaction chromatography on Octyl-Sepharose. Strains causing acute pyelonephritis constituted a homogenous group which, depending on the growth conditions, demonstrated smooth-type lipopolysaccharide, elevated negative charge, and liability to hydrophobic interaction, whereas strains isolated from acute cystitis and asymptomatic bacteriuria showed a more heterogenous pattern.