A Review on In vitro and In vivo model advancements for the study of Escherichia coli-induced Urinary tract infections

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are bacterial infections that affect public health and are caused more frequently due to Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC). UPEC uses a wide range of virulence factors like adhesins, biofilm formation, fimbriae, and immune evasion techniques for persistent, recurrent infection and antimicrobial resistance. The need for improved diagnostic methods, treatments, and protective actions is raised due to the emergence of Multidrug-resistant (MDR) UPEC strain which has complicated the present treatment plans. Traditional methods like Invitro & Invivo models helped in studying the UTI host-pathogen interaction & pathogenesis but have constraints in studying long-term infections and also in recreating human urinary tract conditions. The latest innovations in experimental models such as bladder organoids, dynamic microfluidic systems, and murine & zebrafish models improved physiological relevance and understanding of UPEC behaviour and newer treatment methods. These models help us to deepen our knowledge of antibiotic resistance, biofilm dynamics, and host immune responses which enable us to develop novel therapeutic approaches. UTI research has fastened after technological innovations in genome & transcriptomic analyses, imaging techniques, and high-throughput screening. To deal with MDR UPEC, newer treatment methods like vaccines, phage therapy and anti-virulence agents are being delved into along with antibiotics. In addition, improved invitro and invivo models are used to develop vaccines specific to UPEC. This review focuses on the developments in experimental models and methods to study E.coli-induced UTIs, mainly focusing on its purpose in studying pathogenesis, improving preventive measures, and overcoming treatment challenges. These integrated innovations are critical to tackling the rising MDR UPEC and the need for personalized treatment to decrease the worldwide burden of UTIs.