Investigating the role of oestrogen-mediated phenotypic adaptation of Escherichia coli in urinary tract infections

Abstract

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most common infections worldwide. The incidence in females is 4 times the incidence in males, mostly due to anatomical differences. Many risk factors have been identified so far, including gender, diabetes, dementia and urinary tract anomalies, but also lifestyle choices such as sexual activity and personal hygiene. The most common causative agents are bacteria, 70% of which are uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC). The key factors that bias the agent-host-environment triad are still largely unknown. Therefore, 01 September 2019 MSc 2 in this study, we aimed to investigate whether host-factors such as hormones, specifically oestradiol, can impact bacterial growth, persistence and resistance to antimicrobials. Using a panel of 21 UPEC isolates, we identified that 20nM oestradiol causes strain-dependent impairment of UPEC growth in Luria Broth (LB). Additionally, oestradiol caused a time-dependent impairment in formation of E. coli biofilm biomass. Lastly, we also saw that oestradiol causes dose-dependent strain-specific shifts in antimicrobial sensitivity of some antibiotics. To fully elucidate the mechanisms of the effect of oestradiol on pathogenicity and phenotype of E. coli, further studies are necessary.