Strains of uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC) are the primary cause of urinary tract infections,
including both cystitis and pyelonephritis. These bacteria have evolved a multitude of
virulence factors and strategies that facilitate bacterial growth and persistence within the
adverse settings of the host urinary tract. Expression of adhesive organelles like type 1 and
P pili allow UPEC to bind and invade host cells and tissues within the urinary tract while
expression of iron-chelating factors (siderophores) enable UPEC to pilfer host iron stores …