Phenotypic Characterization of Nanobacterium Sp. Isolated from Urinary Tract Calculi of Egyptian Patients

Isolation of Nanobacteria from different types of urinary tract stones from different populations all over the world raises the possibility that these microorganisms are etiological agents of these stones. The aim of this study was to isolate and identify the nanobacteria from different types of human urinary tract stones and serum from Egyptian population. We searched for nanobacteria from ten aseptically removed urinary tract (UT) stones by processing and subjecting the stones to mammalian cell culture conditions and also we searched for the bacteria from serum of the same patients. The isolated bacteria were identified using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Also we used SEM with eight fractured urinary tract stones. We observed the presence of apatite forming, ultra-filterable, coccoid microorganisms in 80% of the urinary tract stones and serum of patients. SEM studies revealed about 400 nm sized organisms with a rough surface. TEM images showed 200-600 nm sized nanobacteria with a distinct cell wall and a capsule covered with a hairy apatite layer. Nano-sized bacteria are present in human urinary tract stones and serum of the same patients suffering from stones and may play a crucial role in urinary tract stone formation in our bodies. However, further studies are required for detailed information about role of nanobacteria in initiating urinary tract stones.