Study in PNAS reveals E. coli rapidly reproduces using host nutrients during UTIs, with essential bacterial genes identified in mouse models.

A study published in PNAS reveals how E. coli, a common cause of urinary tract infections (UTIs), rapidly reproduces using host nutrients during infections. Researchers at the University of Michigan used mouse models to identify bacterial genes essential for infection establishment. E. coli-induced UTIs are more prevalent in women, causing uncomfortable and painful symptoms, and can lead to kidney infections with severe symptoms.