Escherichia coli isolated from pyometra and cystitis in the same animal exhibit a wide phenotypic similarity

Abstract

Aims Pyometra and cystitis caused by Escherichia coli are common diseases identified in canine or feline females. The origin of pyometra infection remains uncertain, and effective prevention strategies for this disease are still unknown. This study aimed to provide a phenotypic characterisation, including antimicrobial resistance and virulence profiles, of Endometrial Pathogenic (EnPEC) and Uropathogenic (UPEC) E. coli strains isolated simultaneously from the same animal. Methods and Results Sixteen E. coli strains, from eight different animals, were analysed in this study. The antimicrobial susceptibility profile of EnPEC and UPEC strains was determined using the disc diffusion method, which showed a similar susceptibility profile among strains (EnPEC and UPEC) from the same animal. The virulence profile of the strains was assessed through biofilm formation, as well as serum resistance abilities. EnPEC and UPEC strains from the same animal exhibited slight variations in their virulence and antimicrobial resistance capabilities. Overall, most of the strain pairs showed a high similarity in their ability to establish biofilms and survive in serum complement activity. Conclusions Overall, strains of E. coli isolated from both pyometra and cystitis in the same animal, despite presenting distinct clinical diseases, exhibit a wide phenotypic similarity, suggesting a common origin for the strains.