Identification of Virulence-Associated Markers in Escherichia Coli Isolated from Captive Red-Browed Amazon Parrot (Amazona Rhodocorytha)

Due to the genetic similarity of pathogenic Escherichia coli isolated from birds and pathotypes of human origin, it is suggested that they have a common ancestor and may exchange virulence-associated genes. This study aimed to detect virulence-associated genes in E. coli strains isolated from the Red-browed Amazon parrot (Amazona rhodocorytha) kept at a conservation institute in Brazil. High genetic variability in virulence was observed, since 12 virulence profiles were found among 14 strains. The number of virulence-associated genes of single strains ranged from 5 to 22 out of 33 genes tested, and only one strain did not present any virulence genes. Regarding adhesion genes, most strains presented from two to five genes, and crlA (85.7%) and fimC (85.7%) were the most frequent. Frequencies were similar for invasion and iron acquisition genes. Variations among genes were observed for serum resistance and toxin-related genes. Some of the E. coli strains isolated from parrots presented virulence genes that are commonly associated with pathotypes of human origin, including newborn meningitis E. coli, uropathogenic E. coli, and sepsis-associated E. coli. It is noteworthy that some of these genes were present in the majority of the analyzed strains. Our results indicate that these strains detected in clinically healthy parrots can be potential reservoirs of several virulence-associated genes. These genes can be transmitted to other E. coli strains, including those that affect humans. These E. coli strains present a high pathogenic potential of virulence-associated genes in extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli strains.(AU)

Bilateral pyelonephritis due to Escherichia coli infection in a captive jaguar (Panthera onca)

ABSTRACT: Extraintestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli (ExPEC) is a highly diverse pathotype of E. coli which colonizes the intestine, and it is considered an important etiological agent associated with bacteremia and other systemic infections, among them urinary tract infection. Retrospective studies evaluating morbidity and mortality of nondomestic felids have demonstrated that urinary tract diseases are among the main causes of death for geriatric animals. Also, mesenchymal neoplasms of the uterus are common in wild felids, and they possess variable morphologic characteristics related to invasiveness and malignancy. This report describes a case of bilateral pyelonephritis due to extraintestinal uropathogenic E. coli infection in a captive jaguar (Panthera onca). The diagnosis was confirmed through pathological, bacterial and immunohistochemical findings. According to molecular analysis, this E. coli strain was classified in the phylogroup F, possessing the following virulence-associated genes: usp, cnf-1, hlyA, papC and sfa. Additionally, this E. coli was highly resistant to -lactams and first-generation cephalosporin. This jaguar also presented a uterine leiomyoma with distinct distribution, and severe degenerative articular disease, both of them described as frequently seen lesions in geriatric animals from the Panthera genus.

RESUMO: Escherichia coli extraintestinal patogênica (ExPEC) é um patotipo altamente diverso de E. coli que coloniza o intestino e é considerada um agente etiológico importante, associado com bacteremia e outras infecções sistêmicas, dentre elas infecções do trato urinário. Estudos retrospectivos avaliando morbidade e mortalidade de felídeos não domésticos demostram que doenças do trato urinário estão entre as principais causas de morte de animais geriátricos. Ainda, neoplasias mesenquimais uterinas são comuns em felídeos de cativeiro e possuem características morfológicas variáveis relacionadas a invasividade e malignidade. Neste relato é descrito um caso de pielonefrite bilateral por E. coli extraintestinal uropatogênica em uma onça-pintada de cativeiro (Panthera onca). O diagnóstico foi confirmado através dos achados patológicos, bacteriológicos e imuno-histoquímicos. A partir da análise molecular, esta cepa de E. coli foi classificada no filogrupo F, possuindo os seguintes genes associados a virulência: usp, cnf-1, hlyA, papC and sfa. Adicionalmente, a bactéria isolada foi altamente resistente a -lactâmicos e cefalosporinas de primeira geração. Foi observado ainda um leiomioma uterino com distribuição distinta e doença articular degenerativa severa, ambas descritas na literatura como comumente observadas em animais geriátricos do gênero Panthera.

Bilateral pyelonephritis due to Escherichia coli infection in a captive jaguar (Panthera onca) / Pielonefrite bilateral por Escherichia coli em uma onça-pintada (Panthera onca)

Extraintestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli (ExPEC) is a highly diverse pathotype of E. coli which colonizes the intestine, and it is considered an important etiological agent associated with bacteremia and other systemic infections, among them urinary tract infection. Retrospective studies evaluating morbidity and mortality of nondomestic felids have demonstrated that urinary tract diseases are among the main causes of death for geriatric animals. Also, mesenchymal neoplasms of the uterus are common in wild felids, and they possess variable morphologic characteristics related to invasiveness and malignancy. This report describes a case of bilateral pyelonephritis due to extraintestinal uropathogenic E. coli infection in a captive jaguar (Panthera onca). The diagnosis was confirmed through pathological, bacterial and immunohistochemical findings. According to molecular analysis, this E. coli strain was classified in the phylogroup F, possessing the following virulence-associated genes: usp, cnf-1, hlyA, papC and sfa. Additionally, this E. coli was highly resistant to beta-lactams and first-generation cephalosporin. This jaguar also presented a uterine leiomyoma with distinct distribution, and severe degenerative articular disease, both of them described as frequently seen lesions in geriatric animals from the Panthera genus.(AU)

Escherichia coli extraintestinal patogênica (ExPEC) é um patotipo altamente diverso de E. coli que coloniza o intestino e é considerada um agente etiológico importante, associado com bacteremia e outras infecções sistêmicas, dentre elas infecções do trato urinário. Estudos retrospectivos avaliando morbidade e mortalidade de felídeos não domésticos demostram que doenças do trato urinário estão entre as principais causas de morte de animais geriátricos. Ainda, neoplasias mesenquimais uterinas são comuns em felídeos de cativeiro e possuem características morfológicas variáveis relacionadas a invasividade e malignidade. Neste relato é descrito um caso de pielonefrite bilateral por E. coli extraintestinal uropatogênica em uma onça-pintada de cativeiro (Panthera onca). O diagnóstico foi confirmado através dos achados patológicos, bacteriológicos e imuno-histoquímicos. A partir da análise molecular, esta cepa de E. coli foi classificada no filogrupo F, possuindo os seguintes genes associados a virulência: usp, cnf-1, hlyA, papC and sfa. Adicionalmente, a bactéria isolada foi altamente resistente a ß-lactâmicos e cefalosporinas de primeira geração. Foi observado ainda um leiomioma uterino com distribuição distinta e doença articular degenerativa severa, ambas descritas na literatura como comumente observadas em animais geriátricos do gênero Panthera.(AU)

Classificação de Escherichia coli patogênica aviária (APEC)e de Escherichia coli uropatogênica (UPEC) em grupos filogenéticose associação com a patogenicidade in vivo / Classification of Avian Pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) and Human Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) in phylogenetic groups and association with pathogenicity in vivo

Background: Avian pathogenic E. coli (APEC) and uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC) are responsible, respectively, for avian colibacillosis and for 80% of urinary tract infections in humans. E. coli control is difficult due to the absence of a reliable method to differentiate pathogenic and commensal strains. Genetic similarity between APEC and UPEC suggests a common ancestral origin and the capability of potentially pathogenic strains to affect human health. The classification in phylogenetic groups facilitates the identification of pathogenic strains. The objective of this work was to classify APEC and UPEC E. coli strains into phylogenetic groups and to associate it with in vivo pathogenicity. Materials, Methods & Results: 460 APEC and 450 UPEC strains, stored in BHI with glycerol at -80°C, were selected. APEC strains were isolated from cellulitis, respiratory tract and poultry litter of broiler flocks from Southern Brazil. The UPEC strains from urinary tract infection were provided by a hospital in Porto Alegre. After DNA extraction, APEC and UPEC strains were classified into four phylogenetic groups (A, B1, B2 and D) by a multiplex-PCR protocol for the detection of the chuA and yjaA genes and the TspE4.C2 DNA fragment. Phylogenetic groups were associated with pathogenicity indexes (PI), presented on a scale of 0 to 10, which were previously obtained through the inoculation of APEC strains in one-day-old chicks. Phylogenetic groups were also associated with the presence of 38 virulence-associated genes. The multiplex-PCR protocol was able to differentiate 100% of the APEC and UPEC strains in the four phylogenetic groups. The majority of APEC strains were classified into phylogenetic groups D (31.1%) and B2 (24.1%). On the other hand, the majority of UPEC strains were classified into B2 (53.6%). Among APEC strains, five genes (crl, mat, ompA, fimC and fimH) […](AU)

Classificação de Escherichia coli patogênica aviária (APEC)e de Escherichia coli uropatogênica (UPEC) em grupos filogenéticose associação com a patogenicidade in vivo / Classification of Avian Pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) and Human Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) in phylogenetic groups and association with pathogenicity in vivo

Background: Avian pathogenic E. coli (APEC) and uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC) are responsible, respectively, for avian colibacillosis and for 80% of urinary tract infections in humans. E. coli control is difficult due to the absence of a reliable method to differentiate pathogenic and commensal strains. Genetic similarity between APEC and UPEC suggests a common ancestral origin and the capability of potentially pathogenic strains to affect human health. The classification in phylogenetic groups facilitates the identification of pathogenic strains. The objective of this work was to classify APEC and UPEC E. coli strains into phylogenetic groups and to associate it with in vivo pathogenicity. Materials, Methods & Results: 460 APEC and 450 UPEC strains, stored in BHI with glycerol at -80°C, were selected. APEC strains were isolated from cellulitis, respiratory tract and poultry litter of broiler flocks from Southern Brazil. The UPEC strains from urinary tract infection were provided by a hospital in Porto Alegre. After DNA extraction, APEC and UPEC strains were classified into four phylogenetic groups (A, B1, B2 and D) by a multiplex-PCR protocol for the detection of the chuA and yjaA genes and the TspE4.C2 DNA fragment. Phylogenetic groups were associated with pathogenicity indexes (PI), presented on a scale of 0 to 10, which were previously obtained through the inoculation of APEC strains in one-day-old chicks. Phylogenetic groups were also associated with the presence of 38 virulence-associated genes. The multiplex-PCR protocol was able to differentiate 100% of the APEC and UPEC strains in the four phylogenetic groups. The majority of APEC strains were classified into phylogenetic groups D (31.1%) and B2 (24.1%). On the other hand, the majority of UPEC strains were classified into B2 (53.6%). Among APEC strains, five genes (crl, mat, ompA, fimC and fimH) […]

Classification of Avian Pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) and Human Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) in Phylogenetic Groups and Association with Pathogenicity In Vivo

Background: Avian pathogenic E. coli (APEC) and uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC) are responsible, respectively, for avian colibacillosis and for 80% of urinary tract infections in humans. E. coli control is difficult due to the absence of a reliable method to differentiate pathogenic and commensal strains. Genetic similarity between APEC and UPEC suggests a common ancestral origin and the capability of potentially pathogenic strains to affect human health. The classification in phylogenetic groups facilitates the identification of pathogenic strains. The objective of this work was to classify APEC and UPEC E. coli strains into phylogenetic groups and to associate it with in vivo pathogenicity.Materials, Methods & Results: 460 APEC and 450 UPEC strains, stored in BHI with glycerol at -80C, were selected. APEC strains were isolated from cellulitis, respiratory tract and poultry litter of broiler flocks from Southern Brazil. The UPEC strains from urinary tract infection were provided by a hospital in Porto Alegre. After DNA extraction, APEC and UPEC strains were classified into four phylogenetic groups (A, B1, B2 and D) by a multiplex-PCR protocol for the detection of the chuA and yjaA genes and the TspE4.C2 DNA fragment. Phylogenetic groups were associated with pathogenicity indexes (PI), presented on a scale of 0 to 10, which were previously obtained through the inoculation of

Curli fimbria: an Escherichia coli adhesin associated with human cystitis

Escherichia coli is the major causative agent of human cystitis. In this study, a preliminary molecular analysis carried out by PCR (polymerase chain reaction) demonstrated that 100% of 31 E. coli strains isolated from patients with recurrent UTIs (urinary tract infections) showed the presence of the curli fimbria gene (csgA). Curli fimbria is known to be associated with bacterial biofilm formation but not with the adhesion of human cystitis-associated E. coli. Therefore, this work aimed to study how curli fimbria is associated with uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC) as an adhesion factor. For this purpose, the csgA gene was deleted from strain UPEC-4, which carries three adhesion factor genes (csgA, fimH and ompA). The wild-type UPEC-4 strain and its mutant (csgA) were analyzed for their adhesion ability over HTB-9 (human bladder carcinoma), Vero (kidney cells of African green monkey) and HUVEC (human umbilical vein) cells in the presence of -D-mannose. All the wild-type UPEC strains tested (100%) were able to adhere to all three cell types, while the UPEC-4 csgA mutant lost its adherence to HTB-9 but continued to adhere to the HUVEC and Vero cells. The results suggest that curli fimbria has an important role in the adhesion processes associated with human UPEC-induced cystitis.(AU)

Occurrence of genes encoding enterotoxins in uropathogenic Escherichia coli isolates

To determine the presence of some toxins of diarrheagenic Escherichia coli (DEC) in uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC), 138 urinary tract infection (UTI)-causing UPECs were analyzed. The astA, set, sen and cdtB genes were detected in 13 (9.4%), 2 (1.3%), 13 (9.4%) and 0 (0%) of UPEC isolates respectively. The results show that some genes encoding toxins can be transferred from DEC pathotypes to UPECs therefore these isolates can transform into potential diarrhea-causing agents.(AU)

Quinolone resistance and ornithine decarboxylation activity in lactose-negative Escherichia coli

Quinolones and fluoroquinolones are widely used to treat uropathogenic Escherichia coli infections. Bacterial resistance to these antimicrobials primarily involves mutations in gyrA and parC genes. To date, no studies have examined the potential relationship between biochemical characteristics and quinolone resistance in uropathogenic E. coli strains. The present work analyzed the quinolone sensitivity and biochemical activities of fifty-eight lactose-negative uropathogenic E. coli strains. A high percentage of the isolates (48.3%) was found to be resistant to at least one of the tested quinolones, and DNA sequencing revealed quinolone resistant determining region gyrA and parC mutations in the multi-resistant isolates. Statistical analyses suggested that the lack of ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity is correlated with quinolone resistance. Despite the low number of isolates examined, this is the first study correlating these characteristics in lactose-negative E. coli isolates.(AU)

Filogrupos e Fatores de Virulência de Escherichia coli Isoladas de Conteúdo Uterino e Fezes de Cadelas Acometidas com Piometra: Relevância da Composição da Microbiota Intestinal para Ocorrência da Doença

Diversos agentes bacterianos estão associados com a ocorrência de piometra em cadelas, porém o patotipo de E. coli patogênica extraintestinal (ExPEC) é o mais frequente, estando associado a 82 a 100% dos casos. O objetivo do presente estudo foi determinar a frequência dos grupos filogenéticos e fatores de virulência associados a estirpes de E. coli isoladas de conteúdo uterino e fezes de 55 cadelas, totalizando 110 amostras clínicas. Um total de 225 estirpes de E. coli foram isoladas e divididas em três categorias: 90 (40%) isolados do conteúdo uterino, 75 (33,3%) isolados das fezes de cadelas com piometra por E. coli e 60 (26,6%) das fezes de cadelas em que a piometra não foi causada por E. coli. No conteúdo uterino, predominaram estirpes de E. coli pertencentes ao filogrupo B2 e positivas para os genes de fatores de virulência associados a adesão (papC, papG e sfaS) e produção de toxinas (hlyA, cnf-1 e usp). Similarmente, elevadas frequências de estirpes pertencentes ao filogrupo B2 foram identificadas nas fezes de cadelas com piometra por E. coli, enquanto cadelas com infecção uterina não provocada por E. coli eliminaram mais frequentemente estirpes do filogrupo B1. Os fatores de virulência fímbria tipo P (papC e papG) e proteína uropatogênica específica (usp), previamente associados à piometra em estudos anteriores, foram identificados com frequência superior em fezes de cadelas com piometra por E. coli (p 0,05) . O presente estudo demonstra, portanto, que estirpes ExPEC do filogrupo B2 são comumente encontradas causando piometra em cães. Em adição, a elevada frequência de estirpes do filogrupo B2 e carreadoras dos genes de virulência papC, papG e usp nas fezes de cadelas com piometra associada a E. coli sugere que a colonização por essas estirpes possa estar relacionada com um maior risco de piometra por E. coli nesses animais.

Several bacterial agents are associated with the occurrence of pyometra in female dogs, but the extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli (ExPEC) pathotype is the most common, being associated with 82 to 100% of the cases. The aim of the present study was to determine the frequency of phylogenetic groups and virulence factors associated with isolated E. coli strains with uterine content and feces of 55 female dogs, totalizing 110 clinical samples. A total of 225 E. coli strains were isolated and divided into three categories: 90 (40%) isolated from uterine content, 75 (33.3%) isolates from feces of E. coli piometra bitches and 60 (26.6%) of female feces in which pyometra was not caused by E. coli. In the uterine content, predominated strains of E. coli belonging to phylogroup B2 and positive for adhesion-associated virulence factor genes (papC, papG and sfaS) and toxin production (hlyA, cnf-1 and usp). Similarly, high frequencies of strains belonging to phylogroup B2 were identified in the feces of E. coli piometra female dogs, while female dogs with non-E. coli uterine infection more often eliminated strains of phylogroup B1. The fimbria virulence factors type P (papC and papG) and specific uropathogenic protein (usp), previously associated with pyometra in previous studies, were identified with higher frequency in feces of E. coli piometra bitches (p 0.05). Therefore, the present study demonstrates that phylogroup B2 ExPEC strains are commonly found to cause pyometra in dogs. In addition, the high frequency of strains of phylogroup B2 and carriers of virulence genes papC, papG and usp in the feces of E. coli-associated pyometra dogs suggests that colonization by these strains may be related to a higher risk of pyometra by E. coli in these animals.

Invasin gimB found in a bovine intestinal Escherichia coli with an adherent and invasive profile

The invasin gimB (genetic island associated with human newborn meningitis) is usually found in ExPEC (Extraintestinal Pathogenic Escherichia coli) such as UPEC (uropathogenic E. coli), NMEC (neonatal meningitis E. coli) and APEC (avian pathogenic E. coli). In NMEC, gimB is associated with the invasion process of the host cells. Due to the importance of E. coli as a zoonotic agent and the scarce information about the frequency of gimB-carrying strains in different animal species, the aim of this study was to investigate the presence of gimB in isolates from bovine, swine, canine and feline clinical samples. PCR was conducted on 196 isolates and the identity of the amplicons was confirmed by sequencing. Of the samples tested, only E. coli SB278/94 from a bovine specimen was positive (1/47) for gimB, which represents 2.1% of the bovine isolates. The ability of SB278/94 to adhere to and invade eukaryotic cells was confirmed by adherence and gentamicin-protection assays using HeLa cells. This is the first study that investigates for gimB in bovine, canine and feline E. coli isolates and shows E. coli from the intestinal-bovine samples harboring gimB..(AU)

Susceptibility to b-lactams and quinolones of Enterobacteriaceae isolated from urinary tract infections in outpatients

Abstract The antibiotic susceptibility profile was evaluated in 71 Enterobacteriaceae isolates obtained from outpatient urine cultures in July 2010 from two health institutions in Santa Fe, Argentina. The highest rates of antibiotic resistance were observed for ampicillin (AMP) (69%), trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMS) (33%), and ciprofloxacin (CIP) (25%). Meanwhile, 21% of the isolates were resistant to three or more tested antibiotics families. Thirty integron-containing bacteria (42.3%) were detected, and a strong association with TMS resistance was found. Third generation cephalosporin resistance was detected in only one Escherichia coli isolate, and it was characterized as a blaCMY-2 carrier. No plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) was found. Resistance to fluoroquinolone in the isolates was due to alterations in QRDR regions. Two mutations in GyrA (S83L, D87N) and one in ParC (S80I) were observed in all CIP-resistant E. coli. It was determined to be the main phylogenetic groups in E. coli isolates. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) values against nalidixic acid (NAL), levofloxacin (LEV), and CIP were determined for 63 uropathogenic E. coli isolates as MIC50 of 4 μg/mL, 0.03125 μg/mL, and 0.03125 μg/mL, respectively, while the MIC90 values of the antibiotics were determined as 1024 μg/mL, 64 μg/mL, and 16 μg/mL, respectively. An association between the phylogenetic groups, A and B1 with fluoroquinolone resistance was observed. These results point to the importance of awareness of the potential risk associated with empirical treatment with both the families of antibiotics.(AU)

In silico phylogenetic and virulence gene profile analyses of avian pathogenic Escherichia coli genome sequences / Análises in silico da filogenia e do perfil de genes associados à virulência, dos genomas de linhagens de Escherichia coli de origem aviária

Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) infections are responsible for significant losses in the poultry industry worldwide. A zoonotic risk has been attributed to APEC strains because they present similarities to extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli (ExPEC) associated with illness in humans, mainly urinary tract infections and neonatal meningitis. Here, we present in silico analyses with pathogenic E. coli genome sequences, including recently available APEC genomes. The phylogenetic tree, based on multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) of seven housekeeping genes, revealed high diversity in the allelic composition. Nevertheless, despite this diversity, the phylogenetic tree was able to cluster the different pathotypes together. An in silico virulence gene profile was also determined for each of these strains, through the presence or absence of 83 well-known virulence genes/traits described in pathogenic E. coli strains. The MLST phylogeny and the virulence gene profiles demonstrated a certain genetic similarity between Brazilian APEC strains, APEC isolated in the United States, UPEC (uropathogenic E. coli) and diarrheagenic strains isolated from humans. This correlation corroborates and reinforces the zoonotic potential hypothesis proposed to APEC.(AU)

As infecções causadas por linhagens de Escherichia coli de origem aviária (APEC) são responsáveis por perdas significativas na indústria avícola em todo mundo. Risco zoonótico tem sido atribuído às linhagens APEC, devido às semelhanças existentes entre elas e linhagens de E. coli patogênicas extraintestinais (ExPEC) de origem humana, causadoras de infecções no trato urinário e meningite neonatal. Neste trabalho, apresentamos os resultados de análises in silico feitas a partir dos genomas de linhagens patogênicas de E. coli, incluindo genomas recentemente obtidos de linhagens APEC. Uma árvore filogenética foi obtida, com base na tipagem de sequência multilocus (MLST) de sete genes essenciais, revelando alta diversidade na composição de alelos, mas ainda assim possibilitando o agrupamento dos diferentes patótipos. Foi determinado também, para cada linhagem, o perfil gênico, por meio da presença ou ausência de 83 genes associados à virulência. A árvore filogenética e o perfil gênico demonstraram que existem semelhanças genéticas entre cepas APEC brasileiras, APEC isolada nos Estados Unidos, UPEC (uropathogenic E. coli) e linhagens produtoras de diarreia em humanos. Essa correlação corrobora e reforça a hipótese de que linhagens APEC apresentam potencial risco zoonótico.(AU)

Phylogenetic grouping and pathotypic comparison of urine and fecal Escherichia coli isolates from children with urinary tract infection

The aim of this study was to investigate the phylogenetic background and to assess hlyD (involved in the secretion of haemolysin A) and intll (encoding a class 1 integrase) in Escherichia coli isolates derived from urinary and fecal specimens. A total of 200 E. coli isolates was collected from patients presenting with urinary tract infection (UTI) during September 2009 to September 2010 and screened for hlyD and intll genes by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Phylogenetic analysis showed that E. coli is composed of four main phylogenetic groups (A, B1, B2 and D) and that uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC) isolates mainly belong to groups B2 (54%) and D (34%) whereas group A (44%) and D (26%) are predominant among commensal E. coli isolates. In this study, hlyD was present in 26% of UPEC and 2% of commensal E. coli isolates. However, hemolytic activity was detected for 42% of UPEC and 6% of commensal E. coli isolates (p < 0.05). intll gene was more frequently expressed in UPEC (24%) in comparison with commensal E. coli isolates (12%). Resistance to aztreonam, co-trimoxazole and cefpodoxime were frequently found among UPEC isolates whereas commensal E. coli isolates were commonly resistant to co-trimoxazole, nalidixic acid and cefotaxime. Concluding, a considerable difference between UPEC and commensal E. coli isolates was observed regarding their phylogenetic groups, presence of class 1 integron and hlyD gene, hemolysin activity and resistance pattern. The detection of class 1 integrons and hlyD gene was higher among UPEC compared with commensal E. coli isolates. These findings may contribute for a better understanding of the factors involved in the pathogenesis of UPEC.

CARACTERIZAÇÃO DE ESCHERICHIA COLI PATOGÊNICA AVIÁRIA E ESCHERICHIA COLI UROPATOGÊNICA UTILIZANDO GRUPOS FILOGENÉTICOS E A RESISTÊNCIA ANTIMICROBIANA

O patógeno Escherichia coli pertence ao grupo de cepas que podem causar infecções extraintestinais, designadas como (ExPEC). Existem cepas de E. coli ExPEC, tais como: a E. coli causadora de meningite neonatal (NMEC), a E. coli uropatogênica (UPEC) e a E. coli patogênica para aves (APEC). Na avicultura, esta bactéria é responsável por vários processos patológicos, atuando tanto como agente primário como secundário, sendo responsável por significativas perdas econômicas que ocorrem na produção avícola. Vários trabalhos têm demonstrado que muitos isolados ExPEC de humanos e animais compartilham genes de virulência em comum, sugerindo que ocorra uma troca genética entre essas cepas, e o risco para a saúde humana de tais bactérias ainda é indefinido. Além disto, existe outra preocupação em relação ao fato de estudos sugerirem que a E. coli pode facilmente adquirir resistência a antimicrobianos utilizados por humanos e animais. As aves domésticas são reconhecidas como importante fonte de disseminação de resistência antimicrobiana às amostras de E. coli. O objetivo do presente estudo foi realizar a caracterização de amostras de Escherichia coli patogênica aviária (APEC) e Escherichia coli uropatogênica (UPEC) através da classificação em grupos filogenéticos e da avaliação da resistência antimicrobiana. Neste trabalho foram utilizados os dados disponíveis referentes a 237 cepas de E. coli isoladas de camas de aviários, lesões de celulite e quadros respiratórios de frangos de corte e 211 amostras de E. coli uropatogênica (UPEC) isoladas de pacientes com infecção urinária. Para verificar se existia diferença significativa entre a resistência antimicrobiana a (ampicilina, gentamicina, norfloxacina, amicacina e cefuroxima) e a origem das amostras, e destes mesmos antimicrobianos em relação aos grupos filogenéticos. As amostras APEC diferiram na resistência antimicrobiana das amostras UPEC para ampicilina, gentamicina, norfloxacina e cefuroxima. O mesmo não foi observado para a amicacina. Nas condições do presente trabalho, estes resultados contrariam, parcialmente, os estudos que sugerem que a resistência antimicrobiana é originária das amostras de origem avícola, já que três dos cinco fármacos testados apresentaram maior resistência nas amostras UPEC que nas APEC. Quando analisada a relação entre os grupos filogenéticos observou-se que o perfil de resistência antimicrobiana foi semelhante em todos os grupos, somente para norfloxacina e ampicilina houve diferença, porém a resistência estava bem distribuída entre os quatro grupos, comprovando que a patogenicidade não se relaciona com a resistência antimicrobiana. Este fato já havia sido caracterizado em trabalho anterior da mesma autora. Estes resultados ressaltam a necessidade de realizar monitorizações rotineiras e constantes visando conhecer as flutuações da patogenicidade e da resistência antimicrobiana, separadamente.

The pathogen Escherichia coli, belongs to the group of strains that can cause extraintestinal infections, designated as (ExPEC). There are strains of extraintestinal E. coli ExPEC as: a E. coli that causes neonatal meningitis (NMEC), a uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC) and a avian pathogenic E. coli (APEC). In poultry, this bacterium is responsible for several pathological processes, acting as primary agent and secondary as well, and it is also responsible for significant economic losses that occur in poultry production. Several articles show that many ExPEC isolates from humans and animals share common virulence genes, suggesting a genetic exchange between these strains, and the risk to human health of more bacteria is still undefined. In addition, there is another concern about studies which suggest that E. coli can readily acquire antimicrobial resistance when used by animals and humans. Poultry is recognized as an important source of dissemination of antimicrobial resistance in E. coli samples. The objective of the present study was to characterize samples of avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) and uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) using phylogenetic groups and antimicrobial resistance. In this study, we used data available on 237 strains of E. coli isolated from avian litter, cellulitis lesions and respiratory lesions of broilers and 211 uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC) samples isolated from patients with urinary tract infection. To verify if there was a significant difference between the antimicrobial resistance (ampicillin, gentamicin, norfloxacin, amicacin, cefuroxime) and the origin of the samples, and of these same antimicrobials and phylogenetic groups. The APEC samples differed in antimicrobial resistance of the UPEC for ampicillin, gentamicin, norfloxacin and cefuroxime. The same was not observed for amikacin. Under the conditions of the present study, these results partially contradict the studies which suggest that antimicrobial resistance originates from samples of poultry origin, three of the five drugs tested, presented higher resistance in the UPEC samples than in the APEC. When analyzing the relationship between the phylogenetic groups, it was observed that the antimicrobial resistance profile was similar in all groups, only for norfloxacin and ampicillin there was a difference, but the resistance was well distributed among the four groups, proving that the pathogenicity was not related with antimicrobial resistance. This fact had already been characterized in previous paper by the same author. These results highlight the need to perform routine and constant monitoring in order to know the fluctuations in pathogenicity and antimicrobial resistance, separately.

AVALIAÇÃO DA PRESENÇA DE GENES DE ESCHERICHIA COLI UROPATOGÊNICA (UPEC) E SUA RELAÇÃO COM OS DADOS CLÍNICOS DOS PACIENTES

Escherichia coli patogênica aviária (APEC), Escherichia coli uropatogênica (UPEC) e Escherichia coli associada à meningite do recém-nascido (NMEC) estabelecem infecções em ambientes extraintestinais de diferentes hospedeiros. Estudos recentes têm sugerido que isolados de E. coli de aves poderiam compartilhar o mesmo maquinário genético necessário para causar doença em seres humanos. Desta forma, os animais de produção poderiam atuar como reservatórios de estirpes potencialmente patogênicas para humanos e causar zoonose. Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho foi relacionar genes de APEC detectados em amostras de UPEC com sexo, idade e registros de infecção do trato urinário (ITU) de pacientes. Para isso, no presente estudo foram avaliados 559 isolados de E. coli provenientes de urocultura (UPEC) de pacientes do Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA). Foi realizada a análise estatística descritiva relativa dos 38 marcadores de virulência detectados em amostras de urocultura dos pacientes. Além disso, foram coletados dados clínicos (sexo, idade e diagnóstico clínico) dos prontuários dos 559 pacientes. Estas informações foram comparadas com a presença ou ausência de 38 genes associados à virulência e patogenicidade. Os resultados encontrados demonstram que foi verificada a presença dos 38 genes relacionados à virulência e patogenicidade de APEC em isolados de UPEC, sendo que o conjunto de genes associados a virulência encontrados com maior frequência foram os de adesão bacteriana, como o crl (94,45%) (528/559), mat (88,73%) (496/559), fimC (83,18%) (465/559), ompA (92,13%)(515/559) e iutA 94,10% (526/559). Ainda, a relação entre a presença dos genes com os dados clínicos dos pacientes, constataram diferença significativa para o gene chuA em relação à idade dos mesmos, sendo este mais prevalente em crianças (0-15 anos). Para a variável sexo, foi observada uma maior prevalência dos genes crl, cvaC, afa/draB em mulheres, ao passo que, o gene hrlA apresentou maior positividade em isolados de UPEC de homens. Além disso, os genes cvaC, felA, fyuA, ireA e iss foram estatisticamente mais prevalentes em pacientes com ITU. Contudo, no presente estudo, estes fatos não podem servir como evidência para se afirmar que cepas de APEC possuem potencial zoonótico, uma vez que estes marcadores, assim como os demais pesquisados, foram encontrados com prevalência muito similar também em isolados de jovens, adultos e idosos, em isolados de pacientes de ambos os sexos, e tanto em pacientes com ITU, como em isolados de pacientes sem ITU.

Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli, uropathogenic Escherichia coli, and newborn meningitis-causing E. coli infect different hosts extra-intestinally. Recent studies indicated that poultry E. coli isolates could share the same genetic machinery required to cause disease in humans. Thus, the livestock could act as the reservoirs of potentially pathogenic strains for humans and cause zoonotic diseases. The aim of this study was to correlate APEC genes detected in UPEC samples with the age, gender and the presence of disease in patients. Clinical data like gender, age and diagnosis of 559 patients from Porto Alegre Clinical Hospital were collected. This data was compared with the presence or absence of 38 virulence associated genes detected in uroculture samples of these patients. Moreover, the prevalence of 38 virulence markers detected in uroculture samples of these 559 patients was found out. The results indicated the presence of 38 APEC virulence genes in UPEC isolates with the most prevalent virulence genes associated with bacterial adhesion, such as crl (94,45 %) (528/559), mat (88.73%) (496/559) and fimC (83.18%) (465/559). Besides, ompA (92.13%) (515/559), associated with serum resistance, and iutA 94, 10% (526/559), associated with iron acquisition systems, were also detected. Analysis of the correlation between the presence of these genes and the patients clinical data showed a significant difference for chuA with the age as being more prevalent in children (0-15 years). Considering the gender, a higher prevalence of crl, cvaC, afa/draB genes was observed in women, whereas hrlA gene showed a higher prevalence in UPEC isolates from men. Finally, cvaC, felA, fyuA, ireA and iss genes were statistically more prevalent in UTI patients than in patients without UTI. However, these results could not confirm that APEC strains have a zoonotic potential, since these virulence markers, as well as other studied ones, were found with similar prevalence in young, adult and elderly patients isolates, with the isolates of both gender patients, and with both UTIs and non-UTIs patients isolates.

Phylogenetic and pathotype analysis of Escherichia coli swine isolates from Southern Brazil / Análise filogenética e de patotipos de Escherichia coli isoladas de suínos no Sul do Brazil

The current study evaluated the presence of virulence factors by a multiplex PCR technique and then phylogenetically classified the studied strains into groups A, B1, B2 and D, according to Clermont et al. (2000), in 152 intestinal and extraintestinal swine isolates of Escherichia coli. Seventy seven isolates tested were positive for virulence factors. Phylogenetic characterization placed 21 samples into group A, 65 into B1, 19 into B2 and 47 into D. Fourteen urine samples were classified as uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC), nine were both UPEC and enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) and four were ETEC only. The most common phylogenetic classifications were B1 and D groups. Of the analyzed fecal samples, 25 were classified as ETEC. Phylogenetically, the group of higher occurrence was B1, followed by B2, A and D. For the small intestine samples, 20 were classified as ETEC. Phylogenetic analysis found groups B1 and A to be the most commons in these samples. Six isolated tissue samples were classified as ETEC and most of them were designated as group D by phylogenetic classification. The phylogenetic analysis could be employed in veterinary laboratories in the E. coli isolates screening, including the possibility of vaccine strain selection and epidemiological searches.(AU)

O presente estudo teve por objetivo avaliar a presença de diferentes fatores de virulência em 152 isolados de Escherichia coli intestinais e extra-intestinais provenientes de suínos pela técnica de PCR multiplex e classificá-los nos grupos filogenéticos A, B1, B2 e D, de acordo com Clermont et al. (2000). Setenta e sete isolados foram positivos para pelo menos um fator de virulência. Através da caracterização filogenética, 21 isolados foram caracterizados como pertencentes ao grupo A, 65 ao grupo B1, 19 ao grupo B2 e 47 isolados ao grupo D. Quatorze isolados de urina foram caracterizados como E. coli uropatogênica (UPEC); nove apresentaram fatores de UPEC e E. coli enterotoxigênica (ETEC) simultaneamente e quatro foram classificados como ETEC. Na classificação filogenética, os isolados provenientes de amostras de urina classificaram-se principalmente nos grupos D e B1. Das amostras de fezes analisadas, 25 demonstraram fatores de virulência característicos do patotipo ETEC. Filogeneticamente, o grupo de maior ocorrência foi o B1 seguido de B2, A e D. Em relação às cepas isoladas de intestino delgado, 20 foram caracterizadas como ETEC. Pela filogenia, 23 isolados classificaram-se nos grupos A ou B1. Seis isolados de tecidos foram qualificados como ETEC e a maioria deles foram designados como pertencentes ao grupo D, pela classificação filogenética. A análise filogenética pode ser empregada em laboratórios de diagnóstico veterinário como um screening para isolados de E. coli, incluindo a possibilidade de seleção de cepas vacinais e levantamentos epidemiológicos.(AU)

Multiple drug resistance patterns in various phylogenetic groups of uropathogenic E.coli isolated from Faisalabad region of Pakistan

The objective of this work was the phylogenetic characterization of local clinical isolates of uropathogenic E. coli with respect to drug resistance. A total of 59 uropathogenic E. coli responsible for community acquired urinary tract infections were included in this study. A triplex PCR was employed to segregate each isolate into four different phylogenetic groups (A, B1, B2 and D). Drug resistance was evaluated by disc diffusion method. The drugs used were ampicillin, aztreonam, cefixime, cefoperazone, ceftriaxone, cephradine among -lactam group; amikacin, gentamicin, and streptomycin among aminoglycosides; nalidixic acid and ciprofloxacin from quinolones; trimethoprim-sulfomethoxazole, and tetracycline. Among 59 uropathogenic E. coli isolates majority belonged to phylogenetic group B2 (50%) where as 19% each belonged to groups A and B1, and 12% to group D. All the isolates were multiple drug resistant (MDR). Most effective drugs against Group A, B1, and B2 were gentamicin, amikacin and cefixime; ceftriaxone and quinolones; and ceftriaxone and amikacin, respectively. Group D isolates were found to be highly resistant to all drugs. Our results have shown emergence of MDR isolates among uropathogenic E. coli with dominance of phylogenetic group B2. However, it was found that group D isolates were though less frequent, more drug resistant as compared with group B2. Groups A and B1 were relatively uncommon. Amikacin, ceftriaxone and gentamicin were the most effective drugs in general.

Detection of integrons among multi-drug resistant (MDR) Escherichia coli strains isolated from clinical specimens in northern west of Iran

Transference of resistance determinants by integrons is one of the important factors that can contribute to the increase in multi-resistant bacteria. We determined the prevalence and class of integrons among multi-drug resistant (MDR) Escherichia coli strains isolated from clinical specimens in Tabriz teaching hospitals. Firstly, susceptibility of 140 isolates to 13 antibiotics was determined using the disc diffusion method. Then, prevalence and class of integrons was detected in MDR strains by PCR-RFLP. One hundred five (75%) of total 140 isolates were uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC). Other pathotypes included were: diarrheagenic Escherichia coli (13; 9.3%), sepsis-associated E. coli (5; 3.6%) and newborn meningitis-associated E. coli (2; 1.4%). Antibiotic resistance patterns were as follows: amoxicillin 99.3%, gentamicin 33.6%, tetracycline 72.8%, ceftazidime 46.4%, co-trimoxazole 75%, imipenem 1.4%, ciprofloxacin 47.6%, norfloxacin 50.7%, cephalothin 77.8%, amikacin 12.1%, nitrofurantoin 12.9%, chloramphenicol 20.7% and nalidixic acid 60.7%. One hundred eighteen (84.2%) of tested isolates were multi-drug resistant. Prevalence of integrons was confirmed in 27.1% of MDR isolates. intI1 and intI2 were detected respectively in 22.05% and 5.08% of MDR strains. No intI3 was detected. Resistance to gentamicin, amikacin and chloramphenicol was significantly associated with the presence of integrons. These results showed high resistance of E. coli to routine antibiotics, however, in consideration of low prevalence of integrons among these strains, we can conclude that antibiotic resistance genes in these strains presumably carried on elements other than integrons.

Sorogrupos e genes de virulência em Escherichia coli isoladas de psitacídeos / Serogroups and virulence genes of Escherichia coli isolated from psittacine birds

Escherichia coli isolates from 24 sick psittacine birds were serogrouped and investigated for the presence of genes encoding the following virulence factors: attaching and effacing (eae), enteropathogenic E. coli EAF plasmid (EAF), pili associated with pyelonephritis (pap), S fimbriae (sfa), afimbrial adhesin (afa), capsule K1 (neu), curli (crl, csgA), temperature-sensitive hemagglutinin (tsh), enteroaggregative heat-stable enterotoxin-1 (astA), heat-stable enterotoxin -1 heat labile (LT) and heat stable (STa and STb) enterotoxins, Shiga-like toxins (stx1 and stx2), cytotoxic necrotizing factor 1 (cnf1), haemolysin (hly), aerobactin production (iuc) and serum resistance (iss). The results showed that the isolates belonged to 12 serogroups: O7; O15; O21; O23; O54; O64; O76; O84; O88; O128; O152 and O166. The virulence genes found were: crl in all isolates, pap in 10 isolates, iss in seven isolates, csgA in five isolates, iuc and tsh in three isolates and eae in two isolates. The combination of virulence genes revealed 11 different genotypic patterns. All strains were negative for genes encoding for EAF, EAEC, K1, sfa, afa, hly, cnf, LT, STa, STb, stx1 and stx2. Our findings showed that some E. coli isolated from psittacine birds present the same virulence factors as avian pathogenic E. coli (APEC), uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC) and Enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) pathotypes.(AU)

Amostras de Escherichia coli isoladas de 24 psitacídeos doentes foram sorogrupadas e investigadas para a presença de genes que codificam os seguintes fatores de virulência: attaching e effacing (eae), plasmídeo EAF (EAF), pili associado à pielonefrite (pap), fímbria S (sfa), adesina afimbrial (afa), cápsula K1 (neu), curli (crl, csgA), hemaglutinina termosensível (tsh), enterotoxina termo-estável 1 de E. coli enteroagregativa (astA), toxina termolábil (LT) e toxina termoestável (STa e STb), Shiga-like toxinas (stx1 e stx2), fator citotóxico necrotizante 1 (cnf1), hemolisina (hly), produção de aerobactina (iuc) e resistência sérica (iss). Os resultados mostraram que os isolados pertenciam a 12 sorogrupos: O7; O15; O21; O23; O54; O64; O76; O84; O88; O128; O152 e O166. Os genes de virulência encontrados foram: crl em todos os isolados, pap em 10 isolados, iss em sete isolados, csgA em cinco isolados, iuc e tsh em três isolados e eae em dois isolados. A combinação dos genes de virulência revelou 11 perfis genotípicos distintos. Todas as amostras foram negativas para os genes que codificam EAF, EAEC, K1, sfa, afa, hly, cnf, LT, STa, STb, stx1 e stx2. Estes resultados demonstraram que algumas amostras de E. coli isoladas de psitacídeos apresentam os mesmos fatores de virulência presentes nos patotipos de E. coli patogênicas para aves (APEC), uropatogênicas (UPEC) e E. coli enteropatogênicas (EPEC).(AU)