Interplay between Host and Uropathogenic Escherichia coli in Urinary Tract Infections

Dear Colleagues,

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common bacterial infections in humans accounting for high morbidity, prolonged hospitalization and high medical costs. Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) is responsible of the majority of community and hospital-acquired UTIs. UPEC are able to invade urinary epithelial cells, where they may replicate and form biofilm-like intracellular bacterial communities (IBCs) protected from host defenses and antibiotic treatment. The occurrence of IBCs in the bladder appears to be associated with an increased risk of recurrent UTIs. Epidemiological characterization and knowledge of the most relevant components of UPEC array of pathogenicity factors together with the major host responses to infection are an evolving field of research.

Recently advances in the analysis of microbial communities colonizing the human body have identified a resident microbial community in the human urinary tract. However, the contribution of UPEC pathobiology needs to be clarified. Further investigations into UPEC’s ability to cause infection and its interaction with the uro-biome are required.

UTIs are becoming increasingly difficult to treat owing to the rapid emergence and worldwide spread of antibiotic resistant UPECs. The development of new innovative strategies designed to fight these dangerous pathogens is highly needed.

This Special Issue will cover research and review articles focused on relevant and less recognized aspects of the microbial pathogenesis:

-Host–pathogen Interactions

-Bacterial Persistence

-Urobiome

-Antibiotic Resistance

-New Treatment Strategies

Dr. Catia Longhi
Dr. Carlo Zagaglia
Dr. Maria Grazia Ammendolia
Guest Editors

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• host–pathogen interactions
• bacterial persistence
• urobiome
• biofilm formation
• antibiotic treatments
• antibiotic resistance mechanisms
• new treatment strategies