Detection of Siderophore production in Uropathogenic Escherichia.coli in patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Introduction: Infection of the urinary tract is a common observation in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. UTI can be a severe complication in diabetic patients. The aim of this study was to determine siderophore production as a virulence factor in Escherichia.coli, commonly responsible for UTI. Material and Methods: The study was conducted at the postgraduate department of Botany (Microbiology Unit) of St. Josephs College PG & research center Bangalore India between January 2010 - February 2011. Midstream urine from diabetic patients was collected and E.coli was isolated and identified using standard microbiology protocols Growth was examined after 24 hours of incubation at 370c. Colonies more than 105cfu/ml were considered significant for UTI. Detection of siderophores was performed using Chrome Azurol Assay (CAS) Results: Siderophore production was observed in 190(95%) of E.coli isolates and one of the 20 (5%) among controls. Conclusion: Iron acquisition or siderophores are a major virulence factor necessary for Uropathogenic E.coli in the pathogenesis of UTI in diabetic patients. CAS assay is the most efficient method for the detection of siderophores.