Classical chaperone-usher (CU) adhesive fimbriome: uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) and urinary tract infections (UTIs)

Abstract

The presence of a diversity of virulence factors such as Chaperone-Usher (CU) fibers in uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) pathotypes virulome has offered these bacteria a unique opportunity to select the right factors in suitable condition. Understanding the structures and mechanisms of these infectious weapons enables us to prevent the occurrence of infections and/or to treat the urinary tract infections (UTIs) with effective methodologies. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the mechanisms of CU fimbriae (CUF) formation in UPEC. Several CU fibers including Auf, Dr, F1C, S, Type 9, Type 3, Type 1, and P fimbriae have been recognized in UPEC pathotypes. These fimbrial organelles may have cross-talk with each other in the presence of different environmental factors. In other words, the expression or the silence of their genes are associated with a wide range of items comprising environmental factors, genetical factors, physiological factors, etc. Recognition, detection, and identification of virulome and the related characteristics, properties, and mechanisms in UPEC enable us to create new methodologies to have a definite prevention and treatment for UTIs in this regard.

Keywords: Bacterial fimbriae; Urinary tract infection; Uropathogenic Escherichia coli.