Background: Uropathogenic Escherichia coli possess surface adhesins called as fimbriae or pili which binds the bacteria to urothelial cells in the urinary tract. P fimbriae coded by papG commonly responsible for upper UTI and Type1 fimbriae coded by fimH present in commensal E. coli and with more frequency in pathogenic UPEC. Hemagglutination is followed for phenotypic adhesin detection and genotype studied by PCR. Variation in the phenotypic expression occurs based on the regulation, blocking or masking of the genes were influenced by the environmental it survives. Different intercross expression of fimbriae unrelated to the gene remains unclear. There is no data in comparison of phenotype and genotype, yet many studies provided data of either one type. Aim & Objective: The aim of the study was to determine and to compare the fimbriae detection by phenotypic and genotypic methods. Materials & methods: A total of 212 UPEC isolates were processed for P, Type1 fimbriae detection by hemagglutination. papG, fimH genes detected using PCR and gel documentation done after gel electrophoresis to detect specific base pair band. Results: Phenotypically 16% and 13.2% isolates expressed P and Type 1 fimbriae, no fimbriae in 70.8% isolates. Genotypically, papG (46.2%), fimH (92%), no genes (4.2%) and UPEC with single, association of adhesin genes were found with 9 different patterns. Conclusion: More studies regarding pathogenic character of fimH gene and intercross fimbrial expression not coded by the specified genes must be studied further to know their significance.
