Figure 4.

Factors affecting genome plasticity and host-dependent adaptation of E. coli in the urinary tract. Deliberate colonization of individual patients (e.g., P1–P6) with E. coli strain 83972 allows studying host-dependent adaptation of E. coli strain 83972 over prolonged periods of time. Colonization of the urinary tract of individual patients results in various selective pressures due to individual host responses, nutrient supply and bacterial competition that drive host-specific bacterial adaptation.