Bladder infection with uropathogenic Escherichia coli increases the excitability of afferent neurons.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) cause bladder hyperactivity and pelvic pain, but the underlying causes of these symptoms remain unknown. We investigated whether afferent sensitization contributes to the bladder overactivity and pain observed in mice suffering from experimentally induced bacterial cystitis. Inoculation of mouse bladders with the uropathogenic Escherichia coli strain UTI89 caused pelvic allodynia, increased voiding frequency, and prompted an acute inflammatory process marked by leukocytic infiltration and edema of the mucosa. Compared with controls, isolated bladder sensory neurons from UTI-treated mice exhibited a depolarized resting membrane potential, lower action potential threshold and rheobase, and increased firing in response to suprathreshold stimulation. To determine whether bacterial virulence factors can contribute to the sensitization of bladder afferents, neurons isolated from naïve mice were incubated with supernatants collected from bacterial cultures with or depleted of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Supernatants containing LPS prompted the sensitization of bladder sensory neurons with both tetrodotoxin (TTX)-resistant and TTX-sensitive action potentials. However, bladder sensory neurons with TTX-sensitive action potentials were not affected by bacterial supernatants depleted of LPS. Unexpectedly, ultrapure LPS increased the excitability only of bladder sensory neurons with TTX-resistant action potentials, but the supplementation of supernatants depleted of LPS with ultrapure LPS resulted in the sensitization of both population of bladder sensory neurons. In summary, the results of our study indicate that multiple virulence factors released from UTI89 act on bladder sensory neurons to prompt their sensitization. These sensitized bladder sensory neurons mediate, at least in part, the bladder hyperactivity and pelvic pain seen in mice inoculated with UTI89.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Urinary tract infection (UTI) produced by uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) promotes sensitization of bladder afferent sensory neurons with tetrodotoxin-resistant and tetrodotoxin-sensitive action potentials. Lipopolysaccharide and other virulence factors produced by UPEC contribute to the sensitization of bladder afferents in UTI. In conclusion, sensitized afferents contribute to the voiding symptoms and pelvic pain present in mice bladder inoculated with UPEC.

Rapid and persistent decrease in brain tissue oxygenation in ovine gram-negative sepsis.

The changes in brain perfusion and oxygenation in critical illness, which are thought to contribute to brain dysfunction, are unclear due to the lack of methods to measure these variables. We have developed a technique to chronically measure cerebral tissue perfusion and oxygen tension in unanesthetized sheep. Using this technique, we have determined the changes in cerebral perfusion and Po2 during the development of ovine sepsis. In adult Merino ewes, fiber-optic probes were implanted in the brain, renal cortex, and renal medulla to measure tissue perfusion, oxygen tension (Po2), and temperature, and flow probes were implanted on the pulmonary and renal arteries. Conscious sheep were infused with live Escherichia coli for 24 h, which induced hyperdynamic sepsis; mean arterial pressure decreased (from 85.2 ± 5.6 to 71.5 ± 8.7 mmHg), while cardiac output (from 4.12 ± 0.70 to 6.15 ± 1.26 L/min) and total peripheral conductance (from 48.9 ± 8.5 to 86.8 ± 11.5 mL/min/mmHg) increased (n = 8, all P < 0.001) and arterial Po2 decreased (from 104 ± 8 to 83 ± 10 mmHg; P < 0.01). Cerebral perfusion tended to decrease acutely, although this did not reach significance, but there was a significant and sustained decrease in cerebral tissue Po2 (from 32.2 ± 10.1 to 18.8 ± 11.7 mmHg) after 3 h and to 22.8 ± 5.2 mmHg after 24 h of sepsis (P < 0.02). Sepsis induced large reductions in both renal medullary perfusion and Po2 but had no effect in the renal cortex. In ovine sepsis, there is an early decrease in cerebral Po2 that is maintained for 24 h despite minimal changes in cerebral perfusion. Cerebral hypoxia may be one of the factors causing sepsis-induced malaise and lethargy.

Multi-targeted properties of the probiotic saccharomyces cerevisiae CNCM I-3856 against enterotoxigenic escherichia coli (ETEC) H10407 pathogenesis across human gut models.

Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) is one of the most common causes of acute traveler's diarrhea. Adhesins and enterotoxins constitute the major ETEC virulence traits. With the dramatic increase in antibiotic resistance, probiotics are considered a wholesome alternative to prevent or treat ETEC infections. Here, we examined the antimicrobial properties of the probiotic Saccharomyces cerevisiae CNCM I-3856 against ETEC H10407 pathogenesis upon co-administration in the TNO gastrointestinal Model (TIM-1), simulating the physicochemical and enzymatic conditions of the human upper digestive tract and preventive treatment in the Mucosal Simulator of the Human Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem (M-SHIME), integrating microbial populations of the ileum and ascending colon. Interindividual variability was assessed by separate M-SHIME experiments with microbiota from six human individuals. The probiotic did not affect ETEC survival along the digestive tract. However, ETEC pathogenicity was significantly reduced: enterotoxin encoding virulence genes were repressed, especially in the TIM-1 system, and a lower enterotoxin production was noted. M-SHIME experiments revealed that 18-days probiotic treatment stimulate the growth of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus in different gut regions (mucosal and luminal, ileum and ascending colon) while a stronger metabolic activity was noted in terms of short-chain fatty acids (acetate, propionate, and butyrate) and ethanol production. Moreover, the probiotic pre-treated microbiota displayed a higher robustness in composition following ETEC challenge compared to the control condition. We thus demonstrated the multi-inhibitory properties of the probiotic S. cerevisiae CNCM I-3856 against ETEC in the overall simulated human digestive tract, regardless of the inherent variability across individuals in the M-SHIME.

Porcine small intestinal organoids as a model to explore ETEC-host interactions in the gut.

Small intestinal organoids, or enteroids, represent a valuable model to study host-pathogen interactions at the intestinal epithelial surface. Much research has been done on murine and human enteroids, however only a handful studies evaluated the development of enteroids in other species. Porcine enteroid cultures have been described, but little is known about their functional responses to specific pathogens or their associated virulence factors. Here, we report that porcine enteroids respond in a similar manner as in vivo gut tissues to enterotoxins derived from enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli, an enteric pathogen causing postweaning diarrhoea in piglets. Upon enterotoxin stimulation, these enteroids not only display a dysregulated electrolyte and water balance as shown by their swelling, but also secrete inflammation markers. Porcine enteroids grown as a 2D-monolayer supported the adhesion of an F4+ ETEC strain. Hence, these enteroids closely mimic in vivo intestinal epithelial responses to gut pathogens and are a promising model to study host-pathogen interactions in the pig gut. Insights obtained with this model might accelerate the design of veterinary therapeutics aimed at improving gut health.

Role of beta-adrenergic receptor subtypes in pig uterus contractility with inflammation.

Uterine inflammation is a very common and serious condition in domestic animals. To development and progression of this pathology often lead disturbances in myometrial contractility. Participation of ß1-, ß2- and ß3-adrenergic receptors (ARs) in noradrenaline (NA)-influenced contractility of the pig inflamed uterus was studied. The gilts of SAL- and E.coli-treated groups were administered saline or E.coli suspension into the uterine horns, respectively. Laparotomy was only done in the CON group. Compared to the period before NA administration, this neurotransmitter reduced the tension, amplitude and frequency in uterine strips of the CON and SAL groups. In the E.coli group, NA decreased the amplitude and frequency, and these parameters were lower than in other groups. In the CON, SAL and E.coli groups, ß1- and ß3-ARs antagonists in more cases did not significantly change and partly eliminated NA inhibitory effect on amplitude and frequency, as compared to NA action alone. In turn, ß2-ARs antagonist completely abolished NA relaxatory effect on these parameters in three groups. Summarizing, NA decreases the contractile amplitude and frequency of pig inflamed uterus via all ß-ARs subtypes, however, ß2-ARs have the greatest importance. Given this, pharmacological modulation of particular ß-ARs subtypes can be used to increase inflamed uterus contractility.

Yersiniabactin Siderophore of Crohn's Disease-Associated Adherent-Invasive Escherichia coli Is Involved in Autophagy Activation in Host Cells.

BACKGROUND: Adherent-invasive Escherichia coli (AIEC) have been implicated in the etiology of Crohn's disease. The AIEC reference strain LF82 possesses a pathogenicity island similar to the high pathogenicity island of Yersinia spp., which encodes the yersiniabactin siderophore required for iron uptake and growth of the bacteria in iron-restricted environment. Here, we investigated the role of yersiniabactin during AIEC infection. METHODS: Intestinal epithelial T84 cells and CEABAC10 transgenic mice were infected with LF82 or its mutants deficient in yersiniabactin expression. Autophagy was assessed by Western blot analysis for p62 and LC3-II expression. RESULTS: Loss of yersiniabactin decreased the growth of LF82 in competitive conditions, reducing the ability of LF82 to adhere to and invade T84 cells and to colonize the intestinal tract of CEABAC10 mice. However, yersiniabactin deficiency increased LF82 intracellular replication. Mechanistically, a functional yersiniabactin is necessary for LF82-induced expression of HIF-1α, which is implicated in autophagy activation in infected cells. CONCLUSION: Our study highlights a novel role for yersiniabactin siderophore in AIEC-host interaction. Indeed, yersiniabactin, which is an advantage for AIEC to growth in a competitive environment, could be a disadvantage for the bacteria as it activates autophagy, a key host defense mechanism, leading to bacterial clearance.

Characterization of the pathophysiological determinants of diarrheagenic Escherichia coli infection using a challenge model in healthy adults.

An experimental human challenge model with an attenuated diarrheagenic Escherichia coli (E. coli) strain has been used in food intervention studies aimed to increase resistance to E. coli infection. This study was designed to refine and expand this challenge model. In a double-blind study, healthy male subjects were orally challenged with 1E10 or 5E10 colony-forming units (CFU) of E. coli strain E1392/75-2A. Three weeks later, subjects were rechallenged with 1E10 CFU of E. coli. Before and after both challenges, clinical symptoms and infection- and immune-related biomarkers were analyzed. Subset analysis was performed on clinically high- and low-responders. Regardless of inoculation dose, the first challenge induced clinical symptoms for 2-3 days. In blood, neutrophils, CRP, CXCL10, and CFA/II-specific IgG were induced, and in feces calprotectin and CFA/II-specific IgA. Despite clinical differences between high- and low-responders, infection and immune biomarkers did not differ. The first inoculation induced protection at the second challenge, with a minor clinical response, and no change in biomarkers. The refined study design resulted in a larger dynamic range of symptoms, and identification of biomarkers induced by a challenge with the attenuated E. coli strain E1392/75-2A, which is of value for future intervention studies. Addition of a second inoculation allows to study the protective response induced by a primary infection.Clinicaltrials.gov registration: NCT02541695 (04/09/2015).

High pathogenicity island is associated with enhanced autophagy in pathogenic Escherichia coli HPI - infected macrophages.

High pathogenicity island (HPI), which is widely distributed in Escherichia coli (E. coli), can enhance the pathogenicity of E. coli. Thus the HPI positive E. coli could pose a threat to human and animal health. It remains to be elucidated how HPI affects the virulence of pathogenic E. coli. Autophagy is an important mechanism to maintain cellular homeostasis and an innate immunity responses of organisms against pathogens. The interaction between pathogenic E. coli possessing HPI (E. coli HPI) and host autophagy system has not been reported. In this study, it was demonstrated that pathogenic E. coli induced autophagy in 3D4/21 macrophages and HPI was associated with enhanced autophagy through transmission electron microscopy, immunofluorescence and real-time PCR. The PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway is an important negative regulatory pathway for autophagy. Through detecting the expression of key genes of PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway, it was speculated that HPI enhanced the inhibition of the signaling pathway stimulated by pathogenic E. coli. Furthermore, HPI inhibited the secretion of IFN-γ, while the presence of HPI did not significantly affect the secretion of IL-1ß. This work is the first attempt to explore the interplay between HPI carried by pathogenic E. coli and host cell autophagy. The findings might enable better understanding of the contribution of HPI to pathogenicity.

A rare case of myocardial calcification secondary to acute myocarditis due to an Escherichia coli infection.

Myocardial calcification secondary to acute myocarditis is a rare but possibly life-threatening complication. We report a 43-year-old woman with minimal change nephrotic syndrome who developed sepsis caused by Escherichia coli. We simultaneously detected the complication of acute myocarditis in the patient. Although echocardiography showed hypokinesis of the apical segment when acute myocarditis was diagnosed, no sign of myocardial calcification was observed. After two weeks, a CT showed myocardial calcification in the same area. Although myocardial calcification was still observed 12 months later, the patient's cardiac function had improved.

Mode of bacterial killing affects the inflammatory response and associated organ dysfunctions in a porcine E. coli intensive care sepsis model.

BACKGROUND: Sepsis is often treated with penicillin-binding protein 3 (PBP-3) acting ß-lactam antibiotics, such as piperacillin-tazobactam, cefotaxime, and meropenem. They cause considerable bacterial structural changes and have in vitro been associated with an increased inflammatory response. In a clinically relevant large animal sepsis model, our primary aim was to investigate whether bacteria killed by a PBP-3-active antibiotic has a greater effect on the early inflammatory response and organ dysfunction compared with corresponding amounts of live or heat-killed bacteria. A secondary aim was to determine whether the addition of an aminoglycoside could mitigate the cefuroxime-induced response. METHOD: Killed or live Escherichia coli were administrated as a 3-h infusion to 16 healthy pigs in a prospective, randomized controlled interventional experimental study. Cefuroxime was chosen as the PBP-3-active antibiotic and tobramycin represented the aminoglycosides. The animals were randomized to receive (I) bacteria killed by cefuroxime, (II) live bacteria, (III) bacteria killed by heat, or (IV) bacteria killed by the combination of cefuroxime and tobramycin. Plasma endotoxin, tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin-6, interleukin-10, leukocytes, and organ function were recorded at the start of the experiment and then hourly for 6 h. RESULTS: Differences in dynamics of concentration over time between the four treatment groups were found for the three cytokines (p < 0.001). Animals receiving cefuroxime-killed bacteria demonstrated higher responses than those receiving live (p < 0.05) or heat-killed bacteria (p < 0.01). The addition of tobramycin reduced the cefuroxime-induced responses (p < 0.001). The cytokine responses were associated with leucocyte activation that was further associated with pulmonary dysfunction and increases in lactate (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: In comparison with live or heat-killed bacteria, bacteria killed by a PBP-3-active antibiotic induced an increased inflammatory response that appears to be associated with deteriorated organ and cellular function. The addition of an aminoglycoside to the PBP-3-active antibiotic reduced that response.

Baicalin inhibits inflammation caused by coinfection of Mycoplasma gallisepticum and Escherichia coli involving IL-17 signaling pathway.

Coinfection of Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) is frequently reported in poultry farms. Baicalin possess various pharmacological properties such as anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antioxidant, etc. However, the protective effects of baicalin against coinfection of MG and E. coli are still elusive. In this study, baicalin (450 mg/kg) treatment was started on day 13 after infection and continued for 5 d. Histopathological examination, qRT-PCR, ELISA, and molecular docking technique were used to evaluate the effects of baicalin on MG and E. coli coinfection in chicken lung and trachea. The results showed that coinfection caused severe lesions in the lung and tracheal tissues. However, baicalin treatment partially alleviated these lesions in coinfection group. Histopathological examination showed the alveolar spaces and mucosal layer thickening was restored and cilia gradually recovered with baicalin treatment compared in coinfection group and MG-infection group. Meanwhile, IL-17 singling pathway-related genes were significantly reduced (P < 0.05) in baicalin treatment group in lung, including IL-17C, TRAF6, NF-κB, CXCL1, CXCL2, MMP1, GM-CSF, and MUC5AC. The activities of cytokines and chemokines (CXCL1, CXCL2, MMP1, GMCSF, and MUC5AC) were decreased significantly (P < 0.05) in baicalin-treated group. The molecular docking of baicalin and NF-κB showed the highest fitness score and interaction. From these results, it has been suggested that baicalin proved effective against coinfection of MG and E. coli in chicken and provided scientific basis for further dose-response and drug-target interaction studies.

Presence of urinary symptoms in bacteremic urinary tract infection: a retrospective cohort study of Escherichia coli bacteremia.

BACKGROUND: It is important to understand clinical features of bacteremic urinary tract infection (bUTI), because bUTI is a serious infection that requires prompt diagnosis and antibiotic therapy. Escherichia coli is the most common and important uropathogen. The objective of our study was to characterize the clinical presentation of E coli bUTI. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study of consecutive adult patients admitted for community acquired E. coli bacteremia from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2016 was conducted at 4 acute care academic and community hospitals in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Logistic regression models were developed to identify E coli bUTI cases without urinary symptoms. RESULTS: Of 462 patients with E. coli bacteremia, 284 (61.5%) patients had a urinary source. Of these 284 patients, 161 (56.7%) had urinary symptoms. In a multivariable model, bUTI without urinary symptoms were associated with older age (age < 65 years as reference, age 65-74 years had OR of 2.13 95% CI 0.99-4.59 p = 0.0523; age 75-84 years had OR of 1.80 95% CI 0.91-3.57 p = 0.0914; age > =85 years had OR of 2.95 95% CI 1.44-6.18 p = 0.0036) and delirium (OR of 2.12 95% CI 1.13-4.03 p = 0.0207). Sepsis by SIRS criteria was present in 274 (96.5%) of all bUTI cases and 119 (96.8%) of bUTI cases without urinary symptoms. CONCLUSION: The majority of patients with E. coli bacteremia had a urinary source. A significant proportion of bUTI cases had no urinary symptoms elicited on history. Elderly and delirious patients were more likely to have bUTI without urinary symptoms. In elderly and delirious patients with sepsis by SIRS criteria but without a clear infectious source, clinicians should suspect, investigate, and treat for bUTI.

The role of somatostatin and its receptors (sstr2, sstr5) in the contractility of gilt inflamed uterus.

We studied the inflammation effect on somatostatin receptors subtypes 2 (sstr2) and 5 (sstr5) expression in myometrium and somatostatin influence alone or with sstr2 and sstr5 antagonists on the contractility of gilt inflamed uterus. On day 3 of the estrous cycle, either E.coli suspension (E.coli group) or saline (SAL group) were injected into uterine horns. In the control pigs (CON group), only laparotomy was performed. Eight days later, in the E.coli group developed severe acute endometritis. In this group, myometrial sstr2 mRNA expression lowered and protein expression increased compared to other groups. Compared to period before somatostatin administration, somatostatin did not change tension in myometrium and endometrium/myometrium of three groups, reduced amplitude and frequency in the CON and SAL groups, and increased amplitude and decreased frequency in the E.coli group. In this group, amplitude was increased by somatostatin compared to other groups. In the CON and SAL groups, sstr2 eliminated inhibitory somatostatin effect on amplitude, while sstr5 antagonist reversed inhibitory somatostatin effect on amplitude. In the E.coli group, sstr2 antagonist reversed stimulatory somatostatin effect on amplitude, while in sstr5 antagonist presence stimulatory somatostatin effect was more deepened compared to somatostatin action alone. After using sstr2 antagonist more deepened inhibitory somatostatin effect on frequency in the CON and E.coli groups was found. Sstr5 antagonist partly eliminated inhibitory somatostatin effect on frequency in the SAL group. Summarizing, the uterine inflammation increases the myometrial sstr2 protein expression; somatostatin raises amplitude of the inflamed uterus acting by sstr2, while drops this parameter by sstr5.

Sympathetic nerves control bacterial clearance.

A neural reflex mediated by the splanchnic sympathetic nerves regulates systemic inflammation in negative feedback fashion, but its consequences for host responses to live infection are unknown. To test this, conscious instrumented sheep were infected intravenously with live E. coli bacteria and followed for 48 h. A month previously, animals had undergone either bilateral splanchnic nerve section or a sham operation. As established for rodents, sheep with cut splanchnic nerves mounted a stronger systemic inflammatory response: higher blood levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha and interleukin-6 but lower levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-10, compared with sham-operated animals. Sequential blood cultures revealed that most sham-operated sheep maintained high circulating levels of live E. coli throughout the 48-h study period, while all sheep without splanchnic nerves rapidly cleared their bacteraemia and recovered clinically. The sympathetic inflammatory reflex evidently has a profound influence on the clearance of systemic bacterial infection.

Ockham's razor defeated: about two atypical cases of hemolytic uremic syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Medical investigation is a favorite application of Ockham's razor, in virtue of which when presented with competing hypotheses, the solution with the fewest assumptions should be privileged. Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) encompasses diseases with distinct pathological mechanisms, such as HUS due to shiga-like toxin-producing bacteria (STEC-HUS) and atypical HUS, linked to defects in the alternate complement pathway. Other etiologies such as Parvovirus B19 infection are exceptional. All these causes are rare to such extent that we usually consider them mutually exclusive. We report here two cases of HUS that could be traced to multiple causes. CASES PRESENTATION: Case 1 presented as vomiting and diarrhea. All biological characteristics of HUS were present. STEC was found in stool (by PCR and culture). After initial remission, a recurrence occurred and patient was started on Eculizumab. Genetic analysis revealed the heterozygous presence of a CFHR1/CFH hybrid gene. The issue was favorable under treatment. In case 2, HUS presented as fever, vomiting and purpura of the lower limbs. Skin lesions and erythroblastopenia led to suspect Parvovirus B19 primo-infection, which was confirmed by peripheral blood and medullar PCR. Concurrently, stool culture and PCR revealed the presence of STEC. Evolution showed spontaneous recovery. CONCLUSIONS: Both cases defy Ockham's razor in the sense that multiple causes could be traced to a single outcome; furthermore, they invite us to reflect on the physiopathology of HUS as they question the classical distinction between STEC-HUS and atypical HUS. We propose a two-hit mechanism model leading to HUS. Indeed, in case 1, HUS unfolded as a result of the synergistic interaction between an infectious trigger and a genetic predisposition. In case 2 however, it is the simultaneous occurrence of two infectious triggers that led to HUS. In dissent from Ockham's razor, an exceptional disease such as HUS may stem from the sequential occurrence or co-occurrence of several rare conditions.

Exosomes transfer miRNAs from cell-to-cell to inhibit autophagy during infection with Crohn's disease-associated adherent-invasive E. coli.

Adherent-invasive E. coli (AIEC), which abnormally colonize the intestinal mucosa of Crohn's disease (CD) patients, are able to adhere to and invade intestinal epithelial cells (IECs), survive and replicate within macrophages and induce a pro-inflammatory response. AIEC infection of IECs induces secretion of exosomes that increase AIEC replication in exosome-receiving IECs and macrophages. Here, we investigated the mechanism underlying the increased AIEC replication in cells receiving exosomes from AIEC-infected cells. Exosomes released by uninfected human intestinal epithelial T84 cells (Exo-uninfected) or by T84 cells infected with the clinical AIEC LF82 strain (Exo-LF82), the nonpathogenic E. coli K12 strain (Exo-K12) or the commensal E. coli HS strain (Exo-HS) were purified and used to stimulate T84 cells. Stimulation of T84 cells with Exo-LF82 inhibited autophagy compared with Exo-uninfected, Exo-K12 and Exo-HS. qRT-PCR analysis revealed increased levels of miR-30c and miR-130a in Exo-LF82 compared to Exo-uninfected, Exo-K12 and Exo-HS. These miRNAs were transferred via exosomes to recipient cells, in which they targeted and inhibited ATG5 and ATG16L1 expression and thereby autophagy response, thus favoring AIEC intracellular replication. Inhibition of these miRNAs in exosome-donor cells infected with AIEC LF82 abolished the increase in miR-30c and miR-130a levels in the released Exo-LF82 and in Exo-LF82-receiving cells, thus suppressing the inhibitory effect of Exo-LF82 on ATG5 and ATG16L1 expression and on autophagy-mediated AIEC clearance in Exo-LF82-receiving cells. Our study shows that upon AIEC infection, IECs secrete exosomes that can transfer specific miRNAs to recipient IECs, inhibiting autophagy-mediated clearance of intracellular AIEC.

Physiological response of mammary glands to Escherichia coli infection:A conflict between glucose need for milk production and immune response.

The mammary immune and physiological responses to distinct mammary-pathogenic E. coli (MPEC) strains were studied. One gland in each of ten cows were challenged intra-mammary and milk composition (lactose, fat, total protein, casein), biochemical (glucose, glucose-6-phosphate (Glu6P), oxalate, malate, lactate, pyruvate and citrate, malate and lactate dehydrogenases, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), nitrite, lactic peroxidase, catalase, albumin, lactoferrin, immunoglobulin) and clotting parameters were followed for 35 days post-challenge. Challenge lead to clinical acute mastitis, with peak bacterial counts in milk at 16-24 h post-challenge. Biochemical and clotting parameters in milk reported were partially in accord with lipopolysaccharide-induced mastitis, but increased Glu6P and LDH activity and prolonged lactate dehydrogenase and Glu6P/Glu alterations were found. Some alterations measured in milk resolved within days after challenge, while others endured for above one month, regardless of bacterial clearance, and some reflected physiological responses to mastitis such as the balance between aerobic and anaerobic metabolism (citrate to lactate ratios). The results suggest that E. coli mastitis can be divided into two stages: an acute, clinical phase, as an immediate response to bacterial infection in the mammary gland, and a chronic phase, independent of bacteria clearance, in response to tissue damage caused during the acute phase.