Genotypic and Phenotypic Characterisation of Asymptomatic Bacteriuria (ABU) Isolates Displaying Bacterial Interference Against Multi-Drug Resistant Uropathogenic E. Coli

Authors

Ciara Kenneally, Department of Biological Sciences, Munster Technological University, Cork, T12 P928, Bishopstown, IrelandFollow
Craig P. Murphy, Department of Biological Sciences, Munster Technological University, Cork, IrelandFollow
Roy D. Sleator, Department of Biological Sciences, Munster Technological University, Cork, T12 P928, Bishopstown, IrelandFollow
Eamonn P. Culligan, Department of Biological Sciences, Munster Technological University, Cork, T12 P928, Bishopstown, IrelandFollow

ORCID

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2629-5148

Document Type

Article

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Disciplines

Biology | Life Sciences

Publication Details

Archives of Microbiology, vol. 206, no. 394. © The Author(s) 2024.

Abstract

Escherichia coli can colonise the urogenital tract of individuals without causing symptoms of infection, in a condition referred to as asymptomatic bacteriuria (ABU). ABU isolates can protect the host against symptomatic urinary tract infections (UTIs) by bacterial interference against uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC). The aim of this study was to investigate the genotypic and phenotypic characteristics of five ABU isolates from midstream urine samples of adults. Comparative genomic and phenotypic analysis was conducted including an antibiotic resistance profile, pangenome analysis, and a putative virulence profile. Based on the genome analysis, the isolates consisted of one from phylogroup A, three from phylogroup B2, and one from phylogroup D. Two of the isolates, PUTS 58 and SK-106-1, were noted for their lack of antibiotic resistance and virulence genes compared to the prototypic ABU strain E. coli 83,972. This study provides insights into the genotypic and phenotypic profiles of uncharacterised ABU isolates, and how relevant fitness and virulence traits can impact their potential suitability for therapeutic bacterial interference.

Recommended Citation

Kenneally, C., Murphy, C.P., Sleator, R.D. et al. Genotypic and phenotypic characterisation of asymptomatic bacteriuria (ABU) isolates displaying bacterial interference against multi-drug resistant uropathogenic E. Coli. Arch Microbiol 206, 394 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00203-024-04114-0