Application of biotinylated and 32P probes for detection of P-fimbriae in urinary E. coli.

Escherichia coli is the common causative agent of urinary tract infections. Twenty-six strains of Escherichia coli were isolated from children with pyelonephritis, symptomatic urinary tract infections and asymptomatic bacteriuria. Biotinylated and 32P-DNA probes were prepared for detection of P-fimbriae in the isolates. Of the 13 strains isolated from patients with pyelonephritis 11 were positive for the presence of the P gene by both probes. Strains isolated from cases of symptomatic urinary tract infections revealed the presence of P gene only in three samples of the total of nine isolated. None of the isolated E. coli strains from asymptomatic bacteriuria was found positive for the presence of the P gene. The biotinylated probe was simple and easily applicable in standard laboratory conditions and therefore the authors recommend it for use in diagnostic laboratories.