Invasion of vaginal epithelial cells by uropathogenic Escherichia coli.

ABSTRACT: Host-associated reservoirs account for the majority of recurrent and oftentimes recalcitrant infections. Previous studies established that uropathogenic E. coli - the primary cause of urinary tract infections (UTIs) - can adhere to vaginal epithelial cells preceding UTI. Here, we demonstrate that diverse urinary E. coli isolates not only adhere to, but also invade vaginal cells. Intracellular colonization of the vaginal epithelium is detected in acute and chronic murine UTI models indicating the ability of E. coli to reside in the vagina following UTI. Conversely, in a vaginal colonization model, E. coli are detected inside vaginal cells and the urinary tract, indicating that vaginal colonization can seed the bladder. More critically, bacteria are identified inside vaginal cells from clini

SUBMITTER: Brannon JR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7272400 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature