The Role of Mobile Genetic Elements in Virulence Factor Carriage from Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Cases of Escherichia coli Bacteriuria
Grace Morales, Benjamin Abelson, Seth A. Reasoner, Jordan A. Miller, Ashlee M. Earl, Maria Hadjifrangiskou, Jonathan E. Schmitz
Abstract
Escherichia coli is the most common etiological agent of urinary tract infections (UTIs), with UTI-associated strains designated "uropathogenic" E. coli or UPEC. Across urinary strains of E. coli, the global landscape of MGEs and its relationship to virulence factor carriage and clinical symptomatology require greater clarity. Here, we demonstrate that many of the putative virulence factors of UPEC are not associated with acquisition due to MGEs. The current work enhances our understanding of the strain-to-strain variability and pathogenic potential of urine-associated E. coli and points toward more subtle genomic differences distinguishing ASB from UTI isolates.