Distribution of virulence genes and phylogenetics of uropathogenic Escherichia coli among urinary tract infection patients in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

In this study the most frequent E. coli virulence gene was fimH, followed by aer, hly, pap, cnf, sfa and afa respectively. There was significant association between E. coli virulence genes and clinical symptoms of UTI. The phylogenetic analysis indicates majority of uropathogenic E. coli isolates were phylogroup B2 followed by phylogroup D. Phylogroup B2 carries more virulence genes. Hence, targeting major UPEC phylogroup and virulence genes for potential vaccine candidates is essential for better management of UTI and further research has to be conducted in this area.