Comparison of virulence factors and antibiotic resistance profiles of Escherichia coli strains from humans and dogs with urinary tract infections.

The purpose of this study was to compare virulence factors and antibiotic resistance profiles of Escherichia coli strains isolated from dogs and humans with urinary tract infections. Factors studied included resistance to antibiotics and the transferability of R-plasmids to a recipient E. coli; production of colicins, hemolysins, beta-lactamase, and urease; hemagglutination of erythrocytes; and fermentation of dulcitol. The canine E. coli isolates had a wider range of antibiotic resistance and a higher R-plasmid transmissibility rate. A higher percentage of the canine isolates produced colicins (40% vs. 24%), hemolysins (44% vs. 16%), beta-lactamase (52% vs. 4%), and fermented dulcitol (84% vs. 80%) as compared with the human isolates. The human isolates had a greater ability to hemagglutinate erythrocytes as compared with the canine isolates (24% vs. 8%). None of the isolates produced urease.