Effect of trace elements on surface hydrophobicity and adherence of Escherichia coli to uroepithelial cells

Trace elements have significant effect on the physiology of bacteria. Variation in the concentration of trace elements may affect the expression of virulence by microorganisms. The effect of trace elements on hydrophobicity and adherence of E.coli to uroepithelial cells was studied. Increasing concentrations of Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Fe³⁺ and Zn ²⁺ significantly decreased the surface hydrophobicity. Toxic trace elements like Co²⁺, Cu²⁺, Mn²⁺ and Ni ²⁺ did not alter surface hydrophobicity. With regards to adherence of E.coli to uroepithelial cells, only Mg²⁺ had significant effect. Toxic trace elements decreased the rate of cell adherence. The pathogenic strains of E.coli showed higher surface hydrophobicity and better cell adherence compared to the nonpathogenic strains. There was good correlation between surface hydrophobicity and cell adherence at higher concentrations (0.1 to 0.2mM) of Fe²⁺ and Zn²⁺. The results indicated that trace elements can significantly affect surface hydrophobicity and adherence of E.coli to uroepithelial cells. Such effect may have a significant impact on the initial stages of bacterial infection.