Variability in Virulence Gene Prevalence Among Uropathogenic Escherichia coli Isolates: Implications for Understanding UTI Pathogenesis

Introduction: Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) is a common cause of urinary tract infections (UTIs), imposing a significant healthcare burden worldwide. Understanding the distribution of virulence genes among UPEC isolates is crucial for elucidating the pathogenesis of UTIs and developing therapeutic strategies. Methods: In this study, a total of 100 UPEC isolates previously collected from UTI patients were analyzed. The prevalence of various virulence genes associated with iron acquisition, including siderophore receptors (ireA), hemolysin toxins (hylB, hylC, and hylD), and iron uptake systems (feoB, fepC, and fyuA), as well as putative iron transport genes (modD, prrA, and yc73), was assessed using the Multiplex PCR method. Results: The results revealed notable variability in gene prevalence, with fyuA being the most frequently detected gene 63 (63%). However, hlyD was absent in all isolates. Other genes such as feoB, fepC, hlyB, hlyC, ireA, modD, prrA, and yc73 exhibited frequencies ranging from 9 (9%) to 53 (53%). Notably, 76 of the isolates harboured multiple virulence genes associated with iron acquisition, suggesting their potential for enhanced pathogenicity and adaptation to the host environment. Conclusion: The diverse prevalence of virulence genes underscores the dynamic nature of UPEC strains and their ability to adapt to host environments. Comprehending these patterns of gene prevalence offers invaluable insights into UTI pathogenesis, emphasizing the necessity for personalized therapeutic interventions. There is a pressing need for additional research elucidating the functional significance of these genes in UTI pathogenesis, aiming to formulate more efficient strategies to combat UPEC-induced UTIs.