Misc.

Question 1

1. What are the predisposing factors for the development of UTIs in women?

Answer 1

• close proximity of urethra to rectum
• short urethra
• colonisation of peri-urethral area by faecal flora

Question 2

2. Explain the uropathogenic mechanisms of E. coli.

Answer 2

Colonise the bladder/kidney. E. coli adheres via fimbriae to uroepithelial mucosa (pili/piliated strains - ligands at tips as lectins that bind to the human cell mannose receptor).
The bacteria resists the bactericidal actions of human body fluids; have increased amounts of K12 capsular antigen and thus evades phagocytosis.
Release siderophores, haemolysin, cytotoxic necrotising factor etc.
LPS endotoxin that mediates inflammation.