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Attenuation of antibody response to acute pyelonephritis by treatment with antibiotics
D E Neal1, M B Kaack, G Baskin
1Department of Urology, Tulane Regional Primate Research Center, Covington, Louisiana 70433.
Abstract:
While acute pyelonephritis is known to elicit an antibody response, it is also known that a patient who has had pyelonephritis once is susceptible to recurrent renal infection. Using our experimental model of pyelonephritis in the monkey, we tested whether antibiotic therapy of the acute disease would affect the antibody response. We found that it did, because antibiotic therapy beginning 72 h after bacterial inoculation attenuated the antibody response so that rechallenge 3 months later produced acute pyelonephritis and prolonged bacteriuria. The animals with untreated infection had an antibody response that lasted a sufficient period of time to prevent acute pyelonephritis after renal challenge. We have confirmed that antibody titers against P fimbriae are protective, and to a degree, this protective effect may be abrogated by antibiotic therapy.
Insights
Antibiotic treatment for acute pyelonephritis (kidney infection) can weaken the body's antibody response, increasing susceptibility to future infections. This makes patients vulnerable to recurrent kidney infections, even after initial treatment.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Acute pyelonephritis can lead to recurrent kidney infections.
- Antibody response is crucial in combating pyelonephritis.
- The impact of antibiotic therapy on this antibody response is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of antibiotic therapy on the antibody response to acute pyelonephritis.
- To determine if antibiotic treatment influences long-term protection against recurrent kidney infections.
Main Methods:
- An experimental model of pyelonephritis was established in monkeys.
- Antibiotic therapy was administered 72 hours post-bacterial inoculation.
- Animals were rechallenged with bacteria after 3 months to assess infection recurrence and antibody response.
Main Results:
- Antibiotic therapy significantly attenuated the antibody response to acute pyelonephritis.
- Monkeys treated with antibiotics experienced recurrent pyelonephritis and prolonged bacteriuria upon rechallenge.
- Untreated animals developed a sustained antibody response that prevented reinfection.
Conclusions:
- Antibiotic therapy for acute pyelonephritis can impair protective antibody responses.
- This impairment increases the risk of recurrent kidney infections.
- Antibody titers against P fimbriae are protective, but this effect can be diminished by antibiotic treatment.