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Possible role of L-form switching in recurrent urinary tract infection

Author

Listed:
  • Katarzyna M. Mickiewicz

    (Newcastle University)

  • Yoshikazu Kawai

    (Newcastle University)

  • Lauren Drage

    (Newcastle University)

  • Margarida C. Gomes

    (London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine)

  • Frances Davison

    (Newcastle University)

  • Robert Pickard

    (Newcastle University)

  • Judith Hall

    (Newcastle University)

  • Serge Mostowy

    (London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine)

  • Phillip D. Aldridge

    (Newcastle University)

  • Jeff Errington

    (Newcastle University)

Abstract

Recurrent urinary tract infection (rUTI) is a major medical problem, especially in the elderly and infirm, but the nature of the reservoir of organisms responsible for survival and recolonisation after antibiotic treatment in humans is unclear. Here, we demonstrate the presence of cell-wall deficient (L-form) bacteria in fresh urine from 29 out of 30 older patients with rUTI. In urine, E. coli strains from patient samples readily transition from the walled state to L-form during challenge with a cell wall targeting antibiotic. Following antibiotic withdrawal, they then efficiently transition back to the walled state. E. coli switches between walled and L-form states in a zebrafish larva infection model. The results suggest that L-form switching is a physiologically relevant phenomenon that may contribute to the recurrence of infection in older patients with rUTI, and potentially other infections.

Suggested Citation

  • Katarzyna M. Mickiewicz & Yoshikazu Kawai & Lauren Drage & Margarida C. Gomes & Frances Davison & Robert Pickard & Judith Hall & Serge Mostowy & Phillip D. Aldridge & Jeff Errington, 2019. "Possible role of L-form switching in recurrent urinary tract infection," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 10(1), pages 1-9, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:10:y:2019:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-019-12359-3
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-12359-3
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