Abstract
Adhesion of uropathogenic E.coli strains to periurethral (PU) and uroepithelial cells has been shown to be correlated to a specific mannose-resistant hemagglutination of human erythrocytes (MRHAhum). Freshly isolated uropathogenic and control faecal E.coli strains were therefore investigated for agglutinating capacity of erythrocytes of various species. All (n = 14) pyelonephritic strains agglutinated human erythrocytes but not those of ox or guinea pig. Strains causing asymtomatic bacteriuria and faecal strains from healthy individuals showed a low incidence of this hemagglutinating pattern, and systitis strains an intermediate frequency. In all cases the MRHAhum-property was closely correlated to an increased adhesive capacity to PU-cells. EM findings indicated that pili mediate the adhesion. These pili are not type 1 pili. Thus, the MRHAhum is likely to reflect a specific, surface-associated virulence property of these strains, which may be a prerequisite for the development of pyelonephritis.
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Kailenius, G., Möllby, R. & Winberg, J. Hemagglutination of human erythrocytes by uropathogenic E.coli. Pediatr Res 14, 980 (1980). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198008000-00044
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198008000-00044
