Virulence Factors of Uropathogenic E. coli

Abstract

In order for a successful infection and creating a satisfactory environment inside the host, strains of uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) need some special features that are achieved by expressing particular genes, called virulence factors. Two of the most impor- tant surface virulence factors of UPEC are type 1 fimbriae and P fimbriae that are crucial for the colonization process inside the urinary tract. Expression of these virulence factors converts a commensal strain into an uropathogen. Beside these factors, outer membrane proteins also contribute to virulence being involved in the secretory machinery; an exam- ple of such type is TolC protein that transfers α-hemolysin across the outer membrane of E. coli. However, α-hemolysin along with many other toxins serves various pathogenic roles during UTIs including adhesion, colonization, cytotoxic activity, etc. Moreover, virulence factors located on bacterial surface including capsule and lipopolysaccharides may also have the contribution to UTIs providing antiphagocytosis and antibactericidal complement activity.