Uropathogenic
Escherichia coli
(UPEC) are the most important group of microorganisms
responsible for urinary tract infection. UPEC differ from non-pathogenic
E. coli and from other
E. coli pathotypes by the production of specific virulence factors,
which enable the bacteria to adhere to uroepithelial cells and to establish urinary
tract infections. Besides adherence factors, toxins, “modulins”, capsules, iron uptake
systems and other bacterial products contribute to the virulence of the strains.
Urinary tract infection is the most frequently diagnosed kidney and urologic disease
and
E. coli is by far the most common etiologic agent. Uropathogenic strains have
been shown to contain blocks of DNA termed pathogenicity islands (PAIs) which
contribute to their virulence.