There are several strains of E. coli that exist, many of which are non-pathogenic in nature. E. coli forms a beneficial relationship in the intestinal tract, and takes on many helpful functions within the body. The functions include breaking down nutrients, developing signals to regulate the immune system, and even protection against other pathogens. The broad categories of E. coli are separated into diarrheagenic E. coli and extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli, which includes uropathogenic E. coli.19 The sub-species grouping of E. coli (serotyping) are separated into an O (somatic), K (capsular polysaccharide), and H (flagellar) antigens which contain over 200 strains. The O antigen is part of the LPS layer and will initiate the inflammatory
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Mucous linings within the urethra can help prevent the type 1 pili from adhering to the walls and inhibit the formation of IBCs. The act of micturition can also assist in flushing harmful bacteria from the urinary tract by dislodging attached bacteria. Urine contains a Tamm-Horsfall protein (THP), which has been suggested to be very important in the protection against UTIs. THP contains high-mannose and sialic acid which can bind to UPEC and prevent them from adhering to the host’s urinary tract cells.27 Inflammatory responses and immune system responses can help protect individuals against infection, however, neutrophils have been identified as a critical element in the prevention of UPEC colonization in the host and are highly effective in clearing out acute infections with minimal damage to host …show more content…
Detection of nitrite and leukocyte esterase (causes pyuria) can be an indication of UPEC strains in the urinary tract. Uropathogenic E. coli converts the nitrate in the urine to nitrite, and a dipstick can be used to indicate if a UTI is present. The dipstick also contains chemicals to test for the presence of leukocyte esterase, which would indicate immune responses that are likely the result of an infection. Inflammatory responses to a urinary infection will result in the accumulation of leukocytes being excreted in the urine. While these tests are quick and relatively inexpensive, they are unreliable due to the presence of non-pathogenic species producing the nitrite, which can yield false-positive
Mucous linings within the urethra can help prevent the type 1 pili from adhering to the walls and inhibit the formation of IBCs. The act of micturition can also assist in flushing harmful bacteria from the urinary tract by dislodging attached bacteria. Urine contains a Tamm-Horsfall protein (THP), which has been suggested to be very important in the protection against UTIs. THP contains high-mannose and sialic acid which can bind to UPEC and prevent them from adhering to the host’s urinary tract cells.27 Inflammatory responses and immune system responses can help protect individuals against infection, however, neutrophils have been identified as a critical element in the prevention of UPEC colonization in the host and are highly effective in clearing out acute infections with minimal damage to host …show more content…
Detection of nitrite and leukocyte esterase (causes pyuria) can be an indication of UPEC strains in the urinary tract. Uropathogenic E. coli converts the nitrate in the urine to nitrite, and a dipstick can be used to indicate if a UTI is present. The dipstick also contains chemicals to test for the presence of leukocyte esterase, which would indicate immune responses that are likely the result of an infection. Inflammatory responses to a urinary infection will result in the accumulation of leukocytes being excreted in the urine. While these tests are quick and relatively inexpensive, they are unreliable due to the presence of non-pathogenic species producing the nitrite, which can yield false-positive