Secreted Proteins and Other Features Specific to UropathogenicEscherichia coli

Abstract
The urinary tract is among the most common sites of bacterial infection, and Escherichia coli is by far the most common cause of community-acquired infection in individuals with a normal urinary tract. In addition, E. coli is the predominant cause of uncomplicated cystitis and acute pyelonephritis. Of women going to physicians for a urinary tract infection (UTI), 95% do so for symptoms of cystitis. It is estimated that 40% of adult women will suffer symptoms of cystitis during their lifetime, and E. coli will be identified as the etiologic agent in 75%–80% of these cases