Cytokine profile in HTB-4 cells with respect to fimH, papC and hlyA expression in uropathogenic Escherichia coli invasion.

Background

In this study, uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) from pregnant and nonpregnant patients were characterized with respect to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and expression of their virulence factors and cytokines elicited upon infection in urothelial (HTB-4) cells in vitro to frame proper therapeutics.

Methods

Antibiotic sensitivity and adherence to HTB-4 cells were tested and PCR and real-time PCR were performed.

Results

UPEC from nonpregnant patients showed the most resistance with a significant correlation between the expression of hlyA and TGF-β and papC and GCSF. The expression of fimH and IFN-γ, fimH and IL-1β, and fimH and IL-17A, respectively, were significantly correlated in UPEC from pregnant patients.

Conclusion

Cytokine expression profiles were correlated with the expression of virulence genes in UPEC that was isolated from different populations, and should be accounted for along with AMR analysis.