Virulence properties of Escherichia coli 83972, a prototype strain associated with asymptomatic bacteriuria

Little is known about bacteria associated with asymptomatic bacteriuria (AB U) with regard to urinary tract colonization mechanisms. In this study, vir ulence properties of Escherichia coli 83972, a strain that was isolated fro m a clinical ABU episode, were examined. The genetic potential for expressi on of P and type 1 pill was demonstrated, and DNA sequences related to type 1C and G (UCA) pilus genes were also detected. However E. coil 83972 did n ot express D-mannose-resistant or D-mannose-sensitive hemagglutination afte r growth under standard conditions in vitro or upon isolation from the urin e of colonized test subjects. Limited uroepithelial cell adherence was obse rved in vivo, and weak D-mannose-sensitive hemagglutination was detected af ter extended growth in urine in vitro.