Table 2.

Virulence factors of Uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC) in UTI.

Surface Virulence Factors	Main Pathogenic Functions
Type 1 fimbriae	Enhanced bacterial survival; Stimulation of inflammation; Promotion of invasion; Biofilm growth; Binding to uroplakin
P fimbriae	Binding to kidney glycosphingolipids;
	Bacterial colonization of tubular epithelium
S fimbriae	Binding to the lower human urinary tract and kidney; Bacterial dissemination
Fimbrial Dr	Binding to type IV collagen and to decay-accelerating factor (DAF)
Adhesin Afa	Establishment of chronic and/or recurrent infection
Flagella	Bacterial motility; Bacterial ascension from the bladder to kidneys
Secreted virulence factors	Main pathogenic functions
α-haemolysin (HlyA)	Lysis of erythrocytes and nucleated cells; Induction of apoptosis of host cells; Exfoliation of bladder epithelial cells
Cytotoxic necrotizing factor 1 (CNF1)	Kidney invasion; Interference with phagocytosis; Exfoliation of bladder cells
Secreted autotransporter toxin (SAT)	Damage of bladder or kidney cells